Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise several issues. With regard to accessibility for people with disabilities, it is crucial that SUSI is made available for part-time courses. Many people with disabilities, and people without disabilities, find they have to do part-time courses. This is why it is very important. Rather than having separate funds if we could provide access to SUSI it would be very good. With regard to the student assistance fund, will the Minister see whether it can be made available earlier this year? What many students and families say is that they need the money in September. Waiting until October, November and December can often restrict the choices of students and put them into hardship. They get off on the wrong footing or are in a situation where they have to take out loans. Making it available earlier would be a practical measure we could take.

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