Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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321. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the one-off €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee for higher education students will apply to part-time students; if the reduction will also apply to students pursing a relevant degree programme with a private institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49410/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As part of Budget 2023 I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students including a once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes.

For students in private colleges the reduction will only apply where students are attending approved undergraduate free fees courses and where the student is eligible for free fees.

Students attending part time courses are not eligible for the free fees schemes and therefore the once off student contribution support of €1,000 in 22/23 cannot apply to students undertaking part time study.

For part time students attending publicly funded HEIs that are experiencing difficulties currently, there is a significant allocation to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and I would encourage students to contact their access office to avail of these funds.

Tax relief on tuition fees may be available for students attending courses in private colleges and or attending part-time courses. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.

It is open to private institutions to provide financial supports to students that they consider to be in need of such assistance. Private Colleges can advise students on any supports available for courses they provide.