Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 January 2013
89. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if any financial assistance can be offered in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2108/13]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that the grant application of the student referred to by the Deputy for the 2012/13 academic year was refused. SUSI has confirmed that the applicant appealed the decision and that it issued a letter on the appeal on 8th November 2012. Under the scheme, students who have previously attended, but not completed a course of study are required to complete an equivalent period of study on an approved course before being eligible to be considered for a grant.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case,an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.
Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. The Access Officers themselves will also continue to provide support and advice to students to enable them to continue with their studies.
