I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 276 together.
Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy was ineligible for the special rate of maintenance grant as the reckonable income exceeded the threshold of €22,703.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.