Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The respective Student Grant Scheme and the Free Fees Initiative (FFI) are separate schemes operated in line with their respective operating parameters. It is important to note that the inclusion of a course under reference for the student grant scheme does not give rise to approval for funding under the FFI or other funding initiatives such as Springboard+.

In relation to the Student Grant Scheme, under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding. The process for determining the inclusion of an institution or course of study under the student grant scheme is operated in accordance with the provisions of the relevant primary legislation, namely the Student Support Act 2011. The college to which the Deputy refers is an approved institution under Section 7 (1)(F) of the Student Support Act 2011 and all courses in that institution, which meet the conditions of an approved course, are deemed approved courses for student grant purposes.

‎Through the FFI the State has assumed responsibility for compensating institutions for the income previously generated by student tuition fees payable by FFI eligible students exclusive of the student contribution. Free Fees Initiative (FFI) eligibility is restricted to full-time undergraduate courses in public higher education institutions (HEIs), as well as a limited number of designated courses in private not for profit institutions. In general, the extension of Free Fees funding to additional courses in private institutions only applies where a specific teaching and learning need has been identified by the Department, another Department or the HEA. It is open to private institutions, like the college in question, to offer additional undergraduate courses outside those approved for free fees.

With respect to the Deputy’s specific question, I can confirm that the college in question applied to my Department to have additional undergraduate courses, including the course under reference, approved for funding through the FFI. While the request was not submitted in response to a Department or HEA call for provision, my Department agreed to consider the request in its own merits with regard to; skills needs and existing provision in the public higher education system; cost to the Exchequer; and the current funding and policy reform context.

In May my Department wrote to the college to inform it that the FFI would not be extended at this time to additional courses. The college was also advised that its separate request for an increase in the current limit of full-time undergraduate places funded under the Free Fees Initiative had been approved. The increased limit will apply for the next academic year (2023/24).

It remains open to the college to apply for funding through competitive call processes such as Springboard+ or other HEA calls for expression of interest to provide courses in response to national skill needs.