Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State set out the rationale in response to Deputy Conway-Walsh's question about bringing in as many students as possible for the rebate. In the circumstances, the rebate is to be welcomed, as has it has been at previous committee meetings on the subject attended by the Minister of State, the Minister and the heads of universities. However, there is an ongoing campaign at third level institutions to increase the budget, which is why I asked for a breakdown of the figures. While the students have a legitimate concern, as illustrated at the last meeting, there is a very significant fixed cost in our third-level institutions which does not change whether students are receiving tuition in person or online.

I wanted to focus on hardship or welfare supports for students, particularly where parents had lost employment or are furloughed because of Covid. Is it envisaged that supplementary supports will be available through third-level institutions to support students who might find themselves in that position, either in the overall or supplementary budgets? That will include a mix of students, including those who may or may not be in receipt of a SUSI grant.