Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

98. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that there is an increase in the student assistance fund for this academic year to ensure that all students who experience hardship through the fund can be assisted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42232/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Third Level Access Measure comprises two sub-priorities: the Student Assistance Fund and the Fund for Students with Disabilities. The overall value of the measure for the 2013/14 academic year is €16.2m.

The management of the Third Level Access Measure Fund rests with the Higher Education Authority and the allocation of funding for the sub-priorities in a particular year is a matter for the authority.

The Authority approved in July of this year an allocation for the Student Assistance Fund for the 2013/14 academic year of €8m. Each participating institution was advised of its individual allocation in advance of the academic year in order to facilitate timely planning and disbursement to students.