Call to review SUSI grants means test for households impacted by defective blocks

Donegal TD Charles Ward has called on the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, to review the SUSI grants means test for households impacted by the defective concrete crisis.

The 100% Redress TD called for the means test to take essential outgoings, such as mortgages and rent, into consideration when a student impacted by defective concrete applies for the SUSI grant.

Deputy Ward said: “Sending a child to college in Ireland is a massive financial undertaking for any parent, with total costs exceeding €24,000 if the student lives at home, and over €58,000 if renting, which most of my constituents do. For families impacted by the defective concrete crisis, the costs are even more daunting, and often beyond reach.”

He continued: “Families are forced to pay mortgages on houses that are crumbling around them, and many are also forced to pay rent on top of this, because their house is unsafe to live in. Grants do not cover real rebuild costs or rental costs. There are so many additional hidden costs for impacted homeowners, such as planning, utility & council fees. Families in Donegal are facing impossible decisions: Do I send my child to college, or do I allocate those funds to rebuild our crumbling home?”

The Minister for Further & Higher Education said: “Payments under the Enhanced Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme will not be classed as reckonable income from a SUSI application.”

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Deputy Ward also raised the impact the defective concrete crisis is having on students and young people and asked the Minister to commit funding for mental health supports for students impacted by the crisis.

The 100% Redress leader said: “Ulster University has shown that children and teenagers impacted by the defective concrete crisis are experiencing profound and lasting effects on their mental health and emotional wellbeing. Many are growing up in environments marked by uncertainty, instability and chronic stress. There was a massive 34% increase in young people across Donegal seeking mental health support last year. Minister, you said: ‘From day one, I’ve been focused on making education more affordable, more accessible, and on supporting those who need it most.’ These young people need your support.”

In response Minister Lawless said: “I did increase the mental health budget. I try not to be prescriptive about telling colleges how they award it. But there's significant discretion within the access officers and the welfare officers.”