Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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289. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 525 of 29 November 2022, if funding allocated to the student assistance fund can be used or applied for to help repeat students cover their fees and registration costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61520/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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 NFQ 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.