Financial assistance for third-level students

A once-off Covid-19 payment scheme has been announced for third-level students, by Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education.

A meeting of presidents of all third-level institutions will be organised soon to discuss about the college life in 2021.

All EU full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students will receive financial assistance with the fund worth €50m to alleviate the impact of Covid-19 pandemic.

A spokesperson for Mr Harris said the scheme will ensure students who avail of the SUSI grant will receive a €250 top-up in their grant before Christmas.

Students who do not avail of the grant can reduce by €250 any outstanding contribution fee payment or receive a €250 credit note for their institution.

Unions representing teachers and special needs assistants will appear before the Oireachtas Education Committee today.

INTO primary school union will ask the committee to prioritize the school staff, for the Covid-19 vaccine when it becomes available.