Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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A student attending a private college, such as the one referred to by the Deputy, which is not listed in the Student Support Regulations 2024 would not be eligible for funding under the Student Grant Scheme 2024.

It is open to higher education institutions that operate on a 'for profit' basis to use their own resources to provide financial supports to any of their students that they consider to be in particular need.

I would advise any student to make direct contact with the institution that they plan to attend to consider what supports may be available.

Regarding other supports that may be available to third level students outside the Student Grant Scheme, the below information may be of use:

• The Higher Education Authority (HEA) provides information in relation to bursaries and scholarships available at the following link: hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/other-finance-bursaries-scholarships/.
• Tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. More information on the tax credit and the tax treatment of students generally is available from the Revenue Commissioners at or from your local Tax Office;
• The Rent Tax Credit is also increasing to €750 per individual and €1,500 per jointly assessed couple for 2024 and 2025. Payments made by parents in respect of “digs” or rent-a-room arrangements for their children to attend an approved course will now qualify for the Rent Tax Credit, provided the claimant and their child are not related to the landlord. This change will apply retrospectively for the years 2022 and 2023. More information on the rent tax credit is available on www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/land-and-property/rent-credit/used-by-child.aspx.
• Students may be eligible for reduced travel, more information can be found at .

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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500. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if and when SUSI grants will be made available to students on part-time third-level courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23742/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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A pilot part time grant scheme will be introduced effective from September 2024.

It will provide fee support to eligible part-time students attending specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. This is an important new initiative which will open the doors of higher education to many groups who cannot participate in full time programmes.

The parameters of the scheme are currently being finalised and I will announce the details in due course.