Higher education minister James Lawless has said students who are struggling with the rising cost of living should reach out to their welfare officer or ask about the student assistance fund. Mr Lawless said he had increased all the maintenance grants “in terms of quantity” by increasing the threshold for the Susi grant and the valuation fee. Picture: Tommy ClancyIt follows the minister’s second national student accommodation strategy, which aims to deliver 42,000 purpose‑built student beds by 2035. Mr Quinn said it will “speak clearly” and, if necessary, “act boldly” over any delays in payments and pay deals. The question is whether the State is prepared to treat the people who deliver it with the seriousness its work deserves,” Mr Quinn said.

Source: Irish Examiner April 08, 2026 16:06 UTC