Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

2147. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider expanding the definition of student from a lone parent family in the student assistance fund priority groups to encompass students who were raised by a single parent who is no longer raising any children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59559/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending higher education. Students on full or part-time courses leading to a higher education award (NQF level 6-10) in the universities, institutes of technology and other approved colleges can apply for the SAF.

Therefore the cohort of student's you refer to are eligible to apply for SAF once they meet the general course requirements.

The SAF is available to assist students who are unable to meet costs associated with day-to-day participation in higher education, including:

• Books and other class material that are required to enable students to continue and participate in teaching and learning and/or complete examinations.
• Rent, heating and lighting bills and other utility bills e.g., mobile phone data plans, that are required to enable students to continue and participate in teaching and learning and/or complete examinations.
• Food.
• Essential travel.
• Childcare costs.
• Medical costs.
• Family difficulties e.g., bereavement.