Cyprus lawmakers discussed assurances that all beneficiaries of student grants from the Independent Social Support Body will continue to receive support after its abolition. Responsibilities for granting the allowances will transfer to the Ministry of Finance Grants and Allowances Service.
Transitional measures and new regulations
Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki, presented bills to abolish the Authority and establish student grant procedures under the Ministry. She explained a transitional arrangement where a clearance team will process all applications submitted this year to ensure no beneficiary loses their grant. A new amendment introduces a special account at the Central Bank of Cyprus to accept private and organisational donations for student support.
Ensuring transparency and funding
Demetris Demetriou, Committee Chair, stressed that government policy for student grants must be clear. Piki confirmed that eligibility criteria will remain the same as under the former Body and that the regulations are ready for submission once the bill is passed.
Concerns and safeguards
AKEL MP Giorgos Loukaides agreed with the abolition but raised concerns about maintaining dedicated support and ensuring state coverage for grants previously supplemented by private donations. The General Accountant, Andreas Antoniades, also highlighted the need for future state funding to cover grants and legal issues with the Body’s previous reserve fund.
DIKO MPs proposed provisions guaranteeing that grants continue regardless of required amounts, while also suggesting stricter eligibility criteria to prevent misuse of public funds.
Transparency issues
Lawmakers expressed strong dissatisfaction over the non-disclosure of donor information. Legal advice currently restricts publication of donor identities without consent. Proposed bills include transparency measures requesting donor consent for amounts exceeding €20,000, with AKEL MPs advocating lowering this threshold to €5,000 per year for all donations.
Also read: Future of Indepedent Social Support Body under debate in Parliament
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
