3. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will reform the Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, assessment criteria for independent living given that students under 23 years are assessed as dependent on their parents even if they live independently, as are those over 23 years who cannot leave home due to the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26577/25]

Sentiment score: 0.04

There are issues with the SUSI grant and people being able to access it. Will the Minister reform the SUSI assessment criteria for independent living? Students under 23 are assessed as dependent on their parents, even if they live independently, and those over 23 who are forced to live at home due to the housing crisis are assessed as dependent on their parents. Will the Minister reform SUSI?

Sentiment score: -0.11

My apologies, I mixed up the questions.

Sentiment score: 0.00

We all want to work together for fairness, justice and equality in education and one of things we can do to help us is the reform of the SUSI grant. For too long, SUSI has been a barrier rather than a bridge for many of our young people. This is supposed to be a scheme which enables access to education but instead for many it is yet another wall that blocks their future. Let us speak plainly. The age of 23 - that so-called threshold for being classed as an independent student - is actually a barrier for some. Looking at one family's situation - this family contacted both the Minister and I - they feel that middle-wage earners are being punished because of this. They said when their means test for SUSI was being completed, it did not take into consideration tax, PRSI or USC charges because their child is independent but they cannot prove it so their income is taken into consideration. They have received a minimal amount from SUSI and must now pay €10,000 in rent, student fees, food and travel. This really needs to be looked at.

Sentiment score: -0.05

I am glad to hear the Minister will be looking at this but there are other people who for myriad reasons - some deeply disturbing - have had to leave home and are living with other family members. They are independent but do not have bills, rent or other things in their name and are finding it difficult to get evidence that they are separate from their parents. As there is a breakdown in communication, the parents will not give them this. It is not a simple if-or situation and it must be looked into. It is not fair on those people who are running from home for certain reasons. They are trying to make their lives better but these barriers are being put in their way and they cannot get the bills or the evidence. If you look at it, it really is not for them and there needs to be a compassionate mechanism for students estranged from their parents - one that puts the student's life experience first and not a bureaucratic checklist.

Sentiment score: -0.05

1. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is satisfied with the current level of mental health supports available to third level students; and if further investment is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26576/25]

Sentiment score: 0.26

I want to raise the pressing issue of the mental health crisis among third level students. We are failing our young people in this regard. The mental health services available to students in our colleges and universities are underfunded, understaffed and overwhelmed. Is the Minister satisfied with the current level of mental health supports available to third level students and is further investment planned?

Sentiment score: -0.10

I am glad to hear that the Minister is going to put funds into this. It is a very hard issue for students to deal with. Some of the issues they are dealing with include the skyrocketing cost of accommodation or even the type of accommodation they live in. Some students are just leaving home and are stuck in accommodation that is not working for them. Mental health should be treated with the same urgency and importance as physical health. Many are juggling work and study just to keep their heads above water. One of the findings of a survey done my colleague Deputy Conway-Walsh was that one in four first-year students was not aware of the mental health supports and counselling services available to them. One solution to the problem would be just letting them know that the services are available and can be accessed. The existing funding framework for mental health services in higher education is insufficient. It is resulting in underfunded and understaffed counselling and healthcare services on campuses. At this time, I am not aware whether the additional funding will be enough to bring services back up to the proper ratio.

Sentiment score: 0.06

The counsellor-student ratio should be 1:1,000 but at the moment I think it we are at 1:1,500. We need to bridge this gap. I am glad to hear about Togetherall and that it is a 24-7 service but is there a waiting list for it? Students struggling with their mental health today should not have to wait weeks for help. They should not have to choose between paying rent or paying for therapy and they definitely should not have to suffer in silence. I believe that the Minister will be willing to work on this and I know I will continue to push until all students have been listened to and their burden in respect of mental health is helped. This is a very serious issue and we all should be working towards a solution.

Sentiment score: 0.16