Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his interest in this matter. In 2015, the HEA commissioned an independent review of the student assistance fund as part of the national plan for equity of access to higher education. The main finding of that review was a confirmation that the student assistance fund continues to be highly valued as a source of support for students. Demand remains strong. What I like about the fund is the flexibility which allows it to cater for a very diverse group of students in a variety of circumstances. The SUSI scheme is legislated for and is quite prescriptive. The benefit of the student assistance fund is that it can be used for a student who meets a once-off financial difficulty, for example, a family bereavement or an unexpected bill.

It is there as an additional support for students who may fall on hard times. Those hard times may be temporary and may have been unforeseen. A full breakdown of how the fund is divided between the institution exists, and I will provide that to the Deputy.

See this speech in context