Economy minister facing renewed calls to support cash-strapped students

By Q Radio news

A Stormont MLA says the economy minister must support students impacted by the coronavirus pandemic here - by reimbursing some of their fees.

Upper Bann assembly member John O'Dowd claims students are among groups worst affected by covid-19. 

Those at university and colleges have faced disruption to their learning - yet they still have schools fees to pay and many are still paying rent. 

A Stormont MLA says the economy minister must support students impacted by the coronavirus pandemic here - by reimbursing some of their fees.https://t.co/vu4ob5Zblz

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 25, 2021

Mr O'Dowd says Minister Diane Dodds must step in: 

(MLA John O'Dowd)

John O'Dowd said: 

"Students have been among those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic with disruption to their education and the restrictions impacting on jobs yet they still have to pay full fees and many have to pay rent. 

"I am calling on the Economy Minister to use funding available to support students by reimbursing some of the fees as a result of the disruption to learning as well as helping students with accommodation costs. 

"Sinn Féin will continue to support students and young people through this pandemic." 

(Finance minister Diane Dodds)