Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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279. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the assistance available in the case of a person (details supplied) to pursue a play therapy course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60979/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The main support provided by my Department in terms of financial supports is the Student Grant Scheme. The Student Grant Scheme, administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), provides grant assistance to students attending an approved full-time course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.

The Student Grant Regulations prescribe that an approved course is a full-time course leading to a major higher education and training award which takes a minimum of two years to complete in an approved institution. I understand from the details supplied that the student in question is pursuing a part-time Level 9 course entitled the Academy of Play and Psychotherapy. Part-time courses do not meet this definition and are not approved courses under the Student Grant Scheme.

The Programme for Government contains commitments to, among other things, review SUSI eligibility criteria, adjacency rates, postgraduate grant supports and the definition of an approved course. On foot of these commitments, I gave approval to commence a review of the Student Grant Scheme. I am currently awaiting the final report of the review of the Student Grant System. My expectation is that I will receive the final report before Christmas. My intention is to submit the report to Government, and then to publish it. The Deputy will understand that implementation of the report's recommendations will be a matter for consideration in the context of such factors as its assessment by Government and the costs and budgetary implications of those recommendations. The review will, however, have a crucial role to play in shaping the future development and expansion of student support to ensure the accessibility and inclusiveness of our higher education system.

I would encourage students to contact the free and confidential guidance services available through the Education and Training Boards and the access offices and guidance services in Higher Education Institutions to explore their options.

Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in higher education institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. 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 can apply. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.

Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is administered by the Department of Social Protection. Accordingly, any queries regarding the eligibility criteria or status of a BTEA application or other social welfare schemes must be referred to that Department.