SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin
It comes after a new report was released by the National Union of Students-Union of Students in Ireland, detailing the significant financial challenges faced by students during the cost-of-living crisis.
The report revealed that 84% of students are worried about money, with 22% worried about money all the time.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The results of this report are extremely concerning.
“None of our young people should have to struggle to make ends meet while pursuing their education, yet this report reveals that one-third of students have skipped a meal because of the cost-of-living while one in five have gone without heating.
“Stories of students who are unable to afford to eat or who are spending huge amounts on accommodation which is simply not fit for purpose are evidence of a totally broken system for students.
“This is a damning indictment on the failure of government here to properly support the learners we rely on for our future workforce.
“How can we expect students to focus on their education and develop the skills our economy needs for the future, if they worried all the time about their next meal or the roof over their heads? It’s totally untenable.
“The Executive must step up when it comes to student support. Working with student groups, the SDLP succesfully secured the £500 support grants for students during the pandemic, but since then the challenges facing students have only worsened.
“Before the collapse of the Executive a review of higher and further education funding was initiated. I will be pressing the department to expedite that review so we can make the significant change that is needed to the levels of student finance across the board.
“The SDLP Opposition will keep making that case until we ensure once and for all that students have the support they need to thrive in higher and further education.”
Tags: