Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Early last year, I asked the former Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy McHugh, what supports or provisions had been put in place for students for the academic year 2020. All present know the trouble students are going through. Will the Government provide a financial support package for struggling students for this academic year, which began in September 2020? I refer to the students who cannot receive refunds for private accommodation, as well as other students. What provisions is the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, putting in place for student accommodation for the next academic year, which is due to begin in September 2021? Students and their families are going through an awful time. It is shocking that they have had to pay money out and now have to pay for the coming academic year as well, with the probability that they will get no return on that. They will not have their accommodation costs refunded if they are forced to stay at home. It is very unfair to those students. They have come through the leaving certificate and attending college virtually. It goes on and on. We need definite proposals to support those students.

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