University Volume 25 | Issue 4 | Tuesday 26th October 2021
Express
Where has Budget 2022 Left Third-Level Students?
ORLA LEAHY News Editor
The Irish Universities Association (IUA) released a statement on the Budget 2022 which highlighted that though “welcome, is not sufficient to address the core funding deficit in the sector.” The Government has invested €9.2 billion in “continuing investment in our education system,” according to their Report, “Main Features of Budget 2022.” Overall, €3.7 billion has been invested in third-level. Despite such significant investment overall, IUA have highlighted the fact that there is a lack of investment in teaching and research opportunities for 2022. Instead a “substantial part of the package will be used to ‘strengthen the financial position of universities’ in 2021 and 2022 by providing for long-standing sectoral pension deficits.” While third level balance sheets welcome this positive development, IUA Chair and President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, noted that research and innovation are “increasingly cited as our remaining social and economic advantage,” in the face of diminishing corporate tax advantages. Accordingly, he stated that “given its importance for our tomorrow, it is very disappointing that investment in research and
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maintenance grant will increase by €200. The income thresholds for eligibility for the student grant will increase by €1000. The travel distance for the ‘non-adjacent’ rate will decrease to 30 km from 45 km.” Last year, 79 000 students availed of State funded SUSI grants, which was 7% lower than in 2015. The grants failed to keep pace with inflation and increases in the cost of living, deeming less students eligible. However, this number will rise in the next academic year, as for the first time in a decade, the thresholds have increased. The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) President, Clare Austick, has welcomed the increase, stating that “there is a long way to go to get us back to the grant being in line with the cost of living.” Another positive addition for students in the budget includes a 50% reduction in public transport costs for students between the ages of 19-23 with the introduction of a new travel card. Chairperson of the UCC Economics Society, Calum O’Donnell said Image Credit: Rialtas na hÉireann that “as a regular user of some very expensive Bus Éireann routes, this innovation, acknowledged to be well behind our key is a welcome change.” However, he competitors, has not been prioritised [in Budget 2022].” wonders, “whether this will have On another note, changes to the Student Grant Scheme, the desired effect of increasing SUSI have been included in the budget. Citizens Continued on Page 3 information has summarised the alterations. “The student