Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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569. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if additional details will be provided on the Revised Estimates for his Department (details supplied); and the areas in which the remainder is being spent. [40491/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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.

The funding, which was provided in Budget 2021, in recognition of the significant upheaval they have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic will offer financial assistance to all EU full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions (HEI).

The scheme will ensure students;

- Who avail of the SUSI grant will receive €250 top-up in their grant;

- Students who do not avail of the grant can reduce by €250 any outstanding contribution fee payments or receive a €250 credit note for their institution;

- In a small number of cases, alternative arrangements will be made for the payment of the monies to students.

The revised Estimates which the Deputy refers to of €43.5m is the total cost to the Exchequer for this once off funding. The €18.5m which the Deputy sought clarity on refers to the funding which will be issued to SUSI before year end to enable them to pay SUSI grant holders the additional payment of €250.

SUSI will pay all learners on its database an additional payment of €250. The grant will be paid on 18th December. In some cases, students will receive the payment after Christmas. Students who have not yet added their bank details to their SUSI account should do so as soon as possible. To receive the payment on 18th December, bank details must be added before 7th December. SUSI recipient can get more information here: .

The provision of a support package of this scale requires an appropriate process which must adhere to rigorous audit and robust financial controls.