Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are aware of the difficulties students have been facing during the pandemic. We encourage any students who are struggling to cope with studying at home to contact their educational institutions or access officers in order that they can be informed of the wide range of services that are available to support them on their journey prior to making any decisions regarding a cessation of their studies.

In recognition of the challenges facing full-time third level students, the Government approved once-off funding of up to €50 million to provide financial assistance in this academic year. That resulted in a payment of €250 for SUSI students and a €250 credit for all EU full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded higher education institutes. It will be allocated in the coming weeks. SUSI and the higher education institutions will be communicating with students shortly in this regard. That builds on the additional supports that I referred to, namely, the doubling of the student assistance fund, the €15 million technology fund for devices for students in further and higher education, and the €3 million euro provided as part of the July stimulus to support enhanced mental health services and well-being initiatives.

If the Senator communicates with me separately on some of the issues referred to in her supplementary question, I will get her a more definitive reply. I am just not in a position to give a reply on the issues now.

As early as yesterday, the Government approved a review of the entire SUSI system, to commence immediately. The system has not been reviewed in a number of years. The review will cover all aspects of the system, including criteria, payments and eligibility. It will be all-encompassing. All the stakeholders, including the student unions, will be consulted as part of it. I envisage that there will be an opportunity for public submissions to be made. Public representatives will be able to avail of this facility also. I hope that helps.