Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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2555. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a progress update on the implementation of financial supports for students undertaking unpaid or underfunded mandatory placements, as committed to in the programme for Government; if his Department has engaged with SUSI or the HEA to develop a targeted funding mechanism; when students can expect to benefit from such supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19872/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I am conscious of the cost of placements and this area is subject to commitments in the programme for Government.

The issue of paid placement however is a matter for the relevant Department with responsibility for the related placements. Queries related to specific placements and financial supports should be addressed to the relevant Department in the first instance.

It is my intention to publish an Options Paper outlining measures to help reduce the cost of education for students and families across Further and Higher Education, Research and Apprenticeships.

This paper will set out various options for further enhancement of student supports for consideration as part of the budgetary process in the Autumn and this area will be examined in the context of this paper.