Mr. Chris Clifford:

On behalf of the Union of Students of Ireland, I express my sincere thanks for the opportunity to speak to members on the vital issue of financial supports for tertiary level students. The topics at hand, ranging from the availability of grants and the duplication of application processes to the assessment of parental income, are critical to the welfare and future of students across Ireland. Finance is still one of the most significant challenges to equitable access to education. Many students are struggling, not just with tuition but also with basic living costs, including those of accommodation, transportation and daily necessities, all of which are increasing at a pace far greater than that of student incomes. The measures we will discuss today will, we hope, address some of these barriers and make higher education more accessible for all.

While the student grant system, especially through SUSI, provides invaluable support to many, gaps remain. We hear daily from students who are just outside the income thresholds but who still face financial hardship. Additionally, the increasing costs of living and stagnant grant amounts have left many students unable to meet their basic needs. It is crucial that we review the adequacy of existing grants, considering the growing pressures on students.

The process of applying for grants can be unnecessarily complex, with many students finding the duplication of applications a significant burden. In particular, we see cases where students are required to submit the same documentation repeatedly for various grants. Streamlining this process would reduce administrative pressure on students and their families, as well as improve efficiency within the system.

The assessment of parental income is a central issue. Many students are assessed based on their family income, which does not always reflect their personal financial reality. In cases where parents are unable or unwilling to provide support, students can find themselves unfairly excluded from essential grants. We believe there is a need for a more flexible approach that reflects the actual circumstances of the students, particularly those living independently or facing estrangement.

We would like to address recommendation 6 from the report Future Funding of Higher Education. The USI strongly supports increased State investment in higher education to improve equitable access for all students as we have a strategy on file for the reform of SUSI. Education is a public good that benefits society as a whole, and we must ensure that it is accessible and well supported. A sustainable model of higher education funding should prioritise public investment, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to pursue tertiary education. Such an approach will secure the future of our education system and promote social and economic inclusion.

We urge the committee to consider the lived experience of students who face significant financial pressures while trying to access education.

Our proposals aim to ensure that all students - regardless of their socioeconomic background - can thrive and succeed in their academic journeys. We look forward to further discussions and welcome any questions or clarifications from the committee.