Minister Patrick O’Donovan has urged students from Co Limerick to attend a virtual public meeting next week with Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris TD.
The meeting will take place Monday 29thof March at 6.30pm and will give students, their parents, or guidance counsellors an opportunity to offer feedback on the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) programme.
SUSI is the main financial support scheme for students studying in Ireland.
Minister O’Donovan said: “Over 44 per cent of students rely on student support but the system needs to be reformed.
“Minister Harris has appointed an independent person to review the scheme but he wants to hear from students in Limerick about what we can do better.
“This is a great opportunity for students and their families to give direct feedback on the SUSI programme at the most senior level with Minister Harris.”
Minister Harris added: “The student grant scheme opens the door for many people to access further and higher education. However, the scheme has remained static despite significant changes in Irish society in recent years. We are likely to see an increase in grant holders next year as a result of the pandemic. It is timely to now review the scheme administered by SUSI and, having received the approval of Government to undertake this, we are now moving to consult with stakeholders.”
“The review will report back to me this summer and will help inform decisions in the context of Budget 2022. In the meantime we want to hear from you and I am delighted to be joining Minister O’Donovan at an online event he has organised to seek the feedback of his constituents on this important priority for Fine Gael.”
Those wishing to attend must register by calling Minister O’Donovan’s office on (069) 77998 or email to Patrick.ODonovan@oireachtas.ie
