Mattie McGrath presses for student financial support over rents
Deputy Mattie McGrath raised concerns about supports for students facing private accommodation costs and lack of refunds during the 2020-2021 academic period, urging definite proposals for financial relief. He asked the Tanaiste what provisions the Minister for Education is putting in place for the 2021 academic year.
Issue raised
McGrath highlighted that students and their families are suffering financially because many cannot obtain refunds for private accommodation. He said students who completed Leaving Certs and those in first year are particularly affected and described the situation as unfair and distressing.
Requests made
He asked whether the government would provide a financial support package for students for the September 2020 academic year and for those unable to receive private accommodation refunds. He stressed the need for "definite proposals to support those people, those students," and sought clarity on measures for the 2021 academic year.
Previous engagement with Education Minister
McGrath reminded the chamber that he had previously raised the issue early last year with the previous Minister for Education and was seeking information on what supports or provisions had been put in place for 2020.
Government response
The Tanaiste responded that no legislation had been promised and said she would mention the matter to the Minister for Education and request that the Deputy be provided with a reply. The Tanaiste did not commit to new measures during the exchange.
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Tanaiste, early last year I asked the previous Minister of Education what supports or what provisions they put in place for the academic year of 2020 for students. We all know the trouble they're going through. Will your government provide financial support package for struggling students in this academic year, September 2020, obviously, and the students who cannot receive refunds for private accommodation and others. And what provisions, Tanaiste, is the current Minister for Education putting in place for student accommodation for the next academic year, 2021 this year, students are going through an awful time and their families and it's shocking that they have to pay money out and they'll pay for this coming academic year as well and with the possibility, with the probability that they get no return, they won't get their accommodation refunded if they're at home. And it's very unfair to those students. They've come through Leaving Certs, they've come through first year in college and it goes on and on. We need definite proposals to support those people, those students. There's no provision to come in on. There's no provision to come in on the leaders, but you'll come in later on on any other question. Tanaiste. Thanks very much, Deputy. There isn't any legislation promised on that, but I'll certainly mention to the Minister that you raise it here today and ask that you're afforded with a reply.
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