The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Local Fingal TD, Darragh O’Brien has welcomed changes made to the student grant scheme which means that students can now earn more during the holidays without having their grant impacted.
Until now, students could earn a maximum of €4,500 during non-term time. Any earnings outside of that would be considered as income and could affect their student grant. This will now increase to €6,552 for the academic break period and students will not lose eligibility for the grant in 2023.
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “This change will have multiple benefits, not least to the students who are very much struggling with increased costs at the minute. It is clear that this has impacted on student’s ability to work over the summer period and where students want to, and can work more hours, they should not be penalised for doing so.
“We know from the hospitality industry in particular that they are experiencing significant staff shortages and so this change will undoubtedly make a difference to their businesses.
“In recognition of the cost of living which is impacting on all aspects of society, from September, all maintenance grants will increase by €200. Maintenance grants go towards helping students with their living costs and the income thresholds have been increased meaning more students will qualify for a higher level of support. I will continue to support any measures brought before Cabinet which seek to assist students,” he concluded.
