Senator Jimmy Harte has welcomed today’s announcement of a new set of bursaries, aimed solely at students from disadvantaged backgrounds, as a welcome move that prioritises financial support for DEIS students.
“For low income families, who often live on a week to week basis, the financial commitment needed to allow a son or daughter go onto third level can hugely influence a student’s decision on whether or not to go to college.
“Thankfully, this new bursary system will provide additional financial support for 60 families that will greatly help with the costs of sending a family member to college,” he said.
He said Donegal students are at a disadvantage with the cost of travel and accommodation if they go to third level outside Donegal and this move is positive for families in the county.
“With these bursaries, 60 students from DEIS schools, and who hold medical cards, will receive a bursary of €2,000 each this September. This number will rise over each of the next three years, with over 350 students a year benefiting by 2015. The awards will be on the basis of the leaving cert results achieved by students.
“Students who are awarded bursaries will also be entitled to apply for student grants towards the cost of maintenance and the student contribution.
“In very challenging economic times we have to ensure our educational supports are targeted and fair. This means focusing on areas of educational disadvantage as it is the least well off who are the most affected by financial costs of education.
“Studies have shown that DEIS works in tackling educational disadvantage with benefits for students, their families and their communities. With these reforms, we will further reward high achievement in DEIS schools to allow these students fulfil their potential.”
“I look forward to seeing these new scholarships in operation and I commend the Minister for his work in this area.”
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