Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

640. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on making students attending private primary and post-primary school teaching colleges eligible to apply for the student assistance fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11591/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Student Assistance Fund provides financial support to full- or part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending higher education. The Fund can be claimed for expenses such as books, rent, food, medical costs, class materials, light and heat bills, essential travel and childcare.

Students on full- or part-time courses leading to a higher education award (National Framework of Qualifications level 6-10) in Irish universities, institutes of technology and other approved colleges are eligible to apply for the Student Assistance Fund.

Students attending private primary and post-primary school teaching colleges are not eligible to apply and there are no plans to extend beyond the current eligibility criteria. or approved institutions.