Students to receive funding
€168 million is being given to students and third level institutions to help them adjust to Covid-19 restrictions.
The government says college life will be different for some time to come, with an increased emphasis on remote learning.
€168 million package from Government to support our third level sector, help them safely reopen & crucially extra supports for students -doubling of student assistance fund, extra funding for mental health & students with disabilities & €15m fund to provide access to devices pic.twitter.com/Nb3265dQNN
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) July 22, 2020
Around 10,000 students are to get help buying laptops, tablets and also dongles, €3 million will be spent on mental health support and €16 million to double the student assistance fund.
Firstly €41 million is being spent to allow colleges re-open safely, with priority being given to bringing first year students onto campus.
Significant & strong first major statement from our new @DeptofFHed & Minister @SimonHarrisTD. Most warmly welcomed & especially the focus on equity and student support. Comprehensive package of supports that recognizes the stress on the individual & system. @THEA_Irl @hea_irl https://t.co/Pg9QDkJaYo
— Joseph Ryan (@Dr_JosephRyan) July 22, 2020
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris says they're trying to work around the 2 metre rule for students.
€34 million will be allocated to help colleges with online learning.
€48 million also on research and €2m for vulnerable students such as those from the Travelling community or with disabilities.
