Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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454. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason that the number of students who received grants declined by 30% between 2021 (68,277) and 2022 (48,426), as outlined on page 40 of the public service performance report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31751/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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At the time of publication of the Public Service Performance report it was noted that the 2022 figures were subject to change as the reconciliation was still underway - (footnote no 4. page 41 refers)

The current number of students that received student grants in 2022 is 60,907. This may be subject to change as reconciliation is still ongoing.

This is a demand led scheme and as such many factors may impact on grant application numbers including alternative options for employment/education.

I am acutely aware of the cost of living and how this effects students. In addition to once of measures for students in last year's academic year I have also made changes that will benefit students in the 2023/2024 academic year.

All maintenance grants were increased effective from January 2023 in order to provide further financial assistance to those students most in need. The special rate and Band 1 rate of maintenance increased by 14% and all other maintenance grant rates increased by 10%. The full benefit of this will be seen for the 2023/24 academic year.

Two changes to the income thresholds for the student contribution grant for the academic year 2023/24 have also been introduced which will reduce the cost of education for students and families by:-

• Increasing the income limit from €55,240 to €62,000 for students to avail of the 50% Undergraduate Student Contribution and
• Introducing a new Student Contribution grant to the value of €500 for qualifying families on incomes earning between €62,000 and €100,000.

In addition, the holiday earnings provision under the Student Grant Scheme will now allow for a deduction up to a maximum amount of €6,552 (an increase from €4,500) to be applied to student earnings outside of term time within the reference period when calculating reckonable income for grant eligibility for the 2023/2024 academic year. This will mean students can work and not lose eligibility for their grant.

Income up to €14,000 as declared to Revenue under the Government's Rent a Room Scheme will not be counted as reckonable income when calculating eligibility for the 2023/2024 academic year.

As a result of both measures some students may find that they will receive a higher rate of grant and some new students may also find themselves eligible for a grant for the first time once these measures are introduced.