Simon Harris Announces Funding For Third Level Sector

€168 million is being given to students and third level institutions to help them adjust to Covid-19 restrictions.

The government says college life will be different for some time to come, with an increased emphasis on remote learning.

Around 10,000 students are to get help buying laptops and tablets. 

€3 million will be spent on mental health support and €16 million to double the student assistance fund.

€41 million is being spent to allow colleges re-open safely, with priority being given to bringing first year students onto campus.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Wicklow TD Simon Harris says they're trying to work around the 2 metre rule.

€34 million will be allocated to help colleges with online learning, €48 million on research, and €2m for vulnerable students such as those from the Travelling community or with disabilities.