Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1342. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what continual funding will be put in place to ensure that the SUSI grant payments are reflective to the cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27205/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Addressing the cost of education is a key priority for me.

Over the course of the past three Budgets, I have delivered a range of enhancements to the Student Grant Scheme to put more money into the pockets of students and their families including a significant package of cost of living measures which took effect this academic year.

For students starting their course this September, I have increased grant rates, with all maintenance grant rates increasing by at least 10%. Both the special rate of grant and Band 1, which apply to those with least means have increased by 14%. I was pleased to be able to effect these changes from 1^stJanuary this year.

In addition, I have taken measures to ensure that more undergraduate students than ever before will now be entitled to a form of support by-

• increasing the income threshold to qualify for the 50% Student Contribution Grant and
• introducing a new Student Contribution Grant of €500 for qualifying families on incomes between €62,000 and €100,000.