4198. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether any financial supports are available for the master's in play therapy in Munster Technological University given this course is only offered part time. [56544/26]

In recognition of the importance of flexible learning pathways, the Department introduced a new Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses in 2024. This pilot scheme provides fee support to eligible part-time students enrolled in specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. It applies to both in-person and blended/hybrid courses and is designed to enhance access to higher education for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

At present, the scheme is limited to undergraduate courses, as the Student Support Act 2011 only permits approval of part-time courses at undergraduate level. The Student Part-Time Fee Scheme Regulations 2026, published on www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2026/si/99/made/en/, provides details of the approved courses. The Department is currently undertaking a review of the pilot scheme to assess its performance to date and to explore any potential measures that could support greater uptake among the target cohort.

The Department is committed to supporting flexible forms of learning and will keep the policies surrounding support for part-time students under review. However, any future expansion of the parameters of the scheme can only be considered in the context of the budgetary allocation, having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands in the further and higher education sector.

Students on part-time postgraduate programmes may be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. This Fund provides financial support to full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Further information on the SAF is available from the HEA website at: hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/student-assistance-fund/

In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners website at: www.revenue.ie/en/home.aspx