Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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1001. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if, following the announcement in budget 2021 of an extra €250 payment for third level students who have either paid their college fee or are in receipt of a SUSI grant, to assist with transfer to online learning, full-time post leaving certificate students who do not qualify for a SUSI grant but have paid their course fees will be eligible for this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32385/20]

Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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1021. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide clarity in relation to the €250 to be provided to third level students announced in the budget; the way in which this will be administered; and if there is a timeframe for this to be rolled out. [33042/20]

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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1027. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the €250 grant for third level students as announced in budget 2021 will be paid out; the likely timeframe relating to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33347/20]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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1028. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding payments for third level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33369/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1001, 1021, 1027 and 1028 together.

I am very conscious of the impact the pandemic has had on our students. To ensure the safety of our students and staff in further and higher education, the majority of college will be online for this semester. In recognition of the challenges facing full time third level students the Government has approved once off funding of €50m to provide additional financial assistance in this academic year. My Officials and I are developing the process on how this once-off funding will be utilised for submission to Government prior to commencement. Once finalised the details will be available for students.

Additionally Budget 2021 provides further funding to enhance SUSI grant supports for post-grads and increase support for the PATH access initiative, which seeks to increase participation in Higher Education from the most economically disadvantaged students.

This builds on the specific student supports in response to Covid, which I announced in July including the provision of additional student assistance including a doubling of the Student Assistance Fund, and a €15 million technology fund for devices for students in further and higher education to assist with difficulties in accessing technology to facilitate their course work in a blended capacity. These supports are being distributed through the colleges and further education providers.