Anger at grant standstill
Student leaders expressed anger this week at the government decision not to increase the annual student grant for the next academic year to begin in September.

“It appears to be quite a cynical decision when this government claims to be working towards a more egalitarian society. Barring the way to education is the single greatest factor in denying people the opportunity to escape from poverty,” said Pa O’Brien, UL Students’ Union President.

Mr O’Brien was particularly dismissive of the level of support offered to disadvantaged students who live locally.

“I’m not sure how many ministers could survive on €2,700 over a 12-month period, yet our students are being asked to. I have no doubt that this is counter-productive, It will cause many young students who had been struggling to make ends meet to not return to education in September, and will only serve to widen the gap between rich and poor in our society”.

Students living within 24km of the university whose parents’ income is less than €20,000 receive a top-up grant of €1310 to bring their total grant for the year to €2680.

Shane Kelly, President of the Union of Students in Ireland also condemned the government decision, declaring that, “while inflation is running high, this effectively amounts to a decrease in the financial supports being offered to students”.

While the grant amounts stay the same, the registration fees paid by students will be increased. The fee, currently at €825 per year, will be increased by €75 next year, of which €50 will now be retained by the Department of Education.