Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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112. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to support staff and students of further and higher education who are parents, in order to make education more accessible those returning or continuing education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45544/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department have a number of measures in place to make education more accessible for parents returning or continuing education.

One of the priorities for Budget 2024 and for the Taoiseach is reducing child poverty. From September 2024 a part-time fee grant scheme will provide support for eligible students who are undertaking specified undergraduate part-time programmes leading to a major award, both in-person, blended and online.

This means that eligible students will avail of free fees for the first time ever if their household income is below €55,924. This will assist lone parents.