Local Fianna Fáil Deputy, Robert Tro,y has said that a package of supports for third-level students and researchers to help with the cost of education will be an enormous help as they prepare for a new term in college.
The package, which was initially announced as part of Budget 2024, will directly benefit students and their families in Westmeath.
It includes increases of up to €342 in maintenance grants, the re-introduction of maintenance grants worth up to €2,384 to eligible post-graduate students and a €3,000 increase in the stipend for PhD researchers funded by the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland.
“Fianna Fáil in Government is committed to helping families manage the cost of living and this was reflected in Budget 2024, the first Budget delivered by my party colleague, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath.
“Students and their families in Westmeath will now see the benefit from the cost of education package as it comes into effect. For example, the increased student maintenance grant can mean for some students a total of €342 between now and May and a total increase of €615 in their grant rate for the year. Post-graduate maintenance grants have also returned at all levels, meaning postgrad students eligible for the highest rate of increase between now and May will receive €2,384.
“The careful and effective management of the public finances has ensured that we are in a position to increase the support available to help students in this academic year. I know this package will be of huge assistance to students and their families across Westmeath that are faced with financial difficulties due to the cost of living while attending college,” Deputy Troy stated.
