March 8, 2021
Economy Minister must act to extend COVID payment to all students – O’Dowd

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has said the Economy Minister needs to act to remove any barriers preventing her from extending the £500 COVID-19 support payment to all students. 

The Upper Bann MLA said: 

“I have continuously called on Economy Minister Diane Dodds to extend the £500 COVID-19 support payments to all students, including those in further education, part time students, international students and those studying in the south and Britain. 

“The Minister has repeatedly said she needs legal powers to do this. 

“I have asked Minister Dodds to clarify what these barriers are, and it was agreed at the Economy Committee that the Minister should amend the legislation if necessary, to extend the payment.

“The Minister must heed this call and ensure that excluded students, particularly in Further Education are treated equally and given the financial support they deserve.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

I was delighted to join with the largest team of Sinn Féin TDs in over one hundred years at Leinster House.

With Sinn Féin’s increased representation in the Dáil, the Assembly, Brussels, and in London we are a force for real and positive change across Ireland.

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed a pay offer made to NI Water workers that would see their wages rise by 5%, as well them being paid a one-off £1500 payment.

@cathalboylansf

Families have waited far too long for truth and justice, and they shouldn’t endure further delays.

The Labour government must end its delay and fully deliver on their pre-election commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act, returning to the principles of the Stormont House…

Sinn Féin in the Executive has secured a 5% pay rise & a £1,500 one-off payment for NI Water workers.

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd & Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald worked to deliver this offer.

Ensuring public sector workers have fair pay is a priority for Sinn Féin

Load More

Statements