SF in call to divert savings to set up hardship fund for students

A hardship fund for students should be set up by the Economy Department, says Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd.
By Carmel Robinson
Published 7th May 2020, 15:00 BST
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He called on the Minister, Diane Dodds to put the fund in place to help struggling students.

The Upper Bann MLA said: “I and colleagues have been contacted by many students in financial difficulty. They have lost jobs and still have significant outgoings in terms of rental and other costs.”

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He said, at a meeting of the Economy Committee, officials revealed savings may be found in the Department of Economy as a downturn due to Covid-19 meant not all budget areas were being spent.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th September 2019 - Picture Matt Mackey / Press Eye. Sinn Fein's annual 'Away Day' meeting will take place in the Carrickdale Hotel, Co. Louth on Wednesday 11th September. The meeting is attended by elected representatives from across the island and will address the issues of Brexit, Irish Unity, Sinn Fein's alternative budget and Dail priorities. John O'DowdPress Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th September 2019 - Picture Matt Mackey / Press Eye. Sinn Fein's annual 'Away Day' meeting will take place in the Carrickdale Hotel, Co. Louth on Wednesday 11th September. The meeting is attended by elected representatives from across the island and will address the issues of Brexit, Irish Unity, Sinn Fein's alternative budget and Dail priorities. John O'Dowd
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th September 2019 - Picture Matt Mackey / Press Eye. Sinn Fein's annual 'Away Day' meeting will take place in the Carrickdale Hotel, Co. Louth on Wednesday 11th September. The meeting is attended by elected representatives from across the island and will address the issues of Brexit, Irish Unity, Sinn Fein's alternative budget and Dail priorities. John O'Dowd

He urged that those savings be redirected to a Student hardship Fund. “We also continue to press the Minister to financially assist substitute teachers who have been left with no earnings. I would urge the Economy Minister to fund this scheme by reallocating money that her department cannot spend due to the crisis.”

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Related topics:John O'DowdDiane DoddsSinn FeinEconomy Minister

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