Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is a good Department. In terms of education, generally speaking my own philosophy has always been that we should be as flexible as possible to enable people complete their education because that is good for the person and for society. I cannot comment on the specifics of the case mentioned but I will have it examined.

I take on board the Deputy's comments in regard to the assessment for SUSI in terms of previous income. On higher and further education, last night the Government agreed a package of measures to assist students, particularly those on low incomes, in terms of participating in third level education in the next session, particularly in terms of access to technology. We are doubling the disadvantage grants scheme which universities administer for students who are in financial difficulty. We are doing it this year in particular because of the Covid impact on so many families.

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