Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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1504. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that have been taken to resolve the exclusion of agricultural students from third level supports provided to other students during the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32641/20]

Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
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1521. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if agriculture colleges (details supplied) are included in the once-off €50 million third level Covid-19 fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32895/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1504 and 1521 together.

I am acutely conscious of the importance of supporting students during this very difficult and unprecedented period for our country. Teagasc agricultural colleges reopened in September with COVID measures implemented for the safety of learners and staff. Course delivery is based on a hybrid model with practical instruction being delivered face to face and theory being delivered online in line with developments elsewhere in the education sector.

It would appear that, as Teagasc fall under the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc are not eligible for inclusion in funding from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science generally or in the context of specific COVID 19 grants made available by that Department through the HEA and SOLAS to ‘higher and further education’ providers under their remit. That Department is at present considering how best to support 3rd level students with the €50m fund announced in Budget 2021.

However, my Department is currently making the case for the inclusion of Teagasc in the €50 million fund announced by the Department of Further and Higher Education to provide financial assistance to third level students in recognition of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on this group, and consequent increases in online learning.