Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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443. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 525 of 29 November 2022, if there are plans to allow students who have to repeat a year apply to the student assistance fund for help to cover fees in view of their exclusion from the reduced registration fees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60766/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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A key principle of the design of the free fees initiative and the SUSI scheme is to encourage progression, that is, to support students in progressing through a chosen course of study from year to year. As a result, students are not typically supported for a repeat period of study or for a different course at the same level.

I am conscious that not all students are eligible for free fees of student grants. Students in publicly funded third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial difficulty can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. For the 2022/23 academic year, a further €8 million has been allocated to the Student Assistance Fund as a cost of living measure. This is on top of the core allocation of €9.1million bringing the total allocation to €17.1m.

The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending third level. Students can be assisted towards the costs of rent, childcare, transport costs and books/class materials. Students on full or part-time courses leading to a higher education award (NQF level 6-10) in the universities, institutes of technology and other approved colleges can apply for the SAF. Students with a previous higher education qualification at the same NQF level, or who, in the past, attended higher education without ultimately obtaining a qualification, may be considered for support on a case-by-case basis and subject to available funding. However, funding is not available to assist students with the costs of tuition fees, registration fees, student loans or any costs that are borne by the HEI. There are no plans to change the current SAF guidelines.

Students who experience financial difficulty should contact the access or student services office in the institution they are attending for further information on how to apply for the SAF.