Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The National Access Plan has called for more flexible forms of learning for target groups and those who are socio-economically disadvantaged. One of the priorities for Budget 2024 is reducing child poverty. We know that Education has the power to transform lives, lift people out of poverty and break down cycles of intergenerational poverty.

I have been consistent in my position that we need to develop our student support system over time to ensure that it supports more flexible forms of learning.

Through sectoral engagements, there is an increased recognition that supporting part-time and blended learning has the potential to increase access to learning in the medium term, once existing reform commitments are embedded within the sector.

The fees associated with part-time programmes are a key barrier to higher education access and the expansion of fee support to part-time students is a significant new initiative which will open the doors of higher education to many groups who could not participate in full-time programmes.

From September 2024, a pilot part-time fee grant will be available to provide support for students who are undertaking eligible undergraduate part-time programmes leading to a major award, both in-person, blended and online.

The Scheme will be means tested and available to those with reckonable income under €55,924 and will be subject to satisfying certain criteria.

The Scheme is currently under development. My Department is currently engaging in further discussions with key stakeholders and Higher Education Institutions and communication will be provided in the next few months on the new Scheme and how to apply when the parameters have been agreed.