Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome that information about those who will benefit. As I stated previously, there is a large number of people who still do not benefit and are under severe pressure. We have to deal with the whole issue right through from the cost of living to the huge cost of accommodation. At times some students are under pressure. The USI produced a survey showing that some students are having to skip meals. This is not anything that anybody in here wants to see. We need to make sure we have a system that does not leave kids or students in that set of circumstances. The student hardship fund has been increased but there are issues in respect of accessing it and only very small amounts are disbursed. This needs to be looked at. We need a bespoke solution for those who are under severe pressure and families that are under severe pressure.

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