Increase in student grants considered

AN INCREASE in higher third-level student grants are among the measures being considered as part of the budget.

That’s according to the Minister of Further ad Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD, who has published today the annual Cost of Education options paper.

Measures included in the paper are reducing the student contribution, increasing the number of students in receipt of a student grant, increasing the rates of student grant, as well as other measures that will reduce the financial burden of going to college on families and students.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: "The Government is committed to reducing the cost of education for families and students. This paper sets out a number of options to consider in advance of this year's Budget. Today we are publishing the paper to have a discussion on the most effective way to drive down costs for students and their families. Decisions will be made at the Budget but it is important to see all of the levers available.”

The report follows a meeting of stakeholders that took place earlier this year where over 100 representatives from the student population, access officers and student services employees gathered to consider the most effective way to reduce education costs.