Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 January 2014
77. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will expedite a student grant appeal that has been submitted and awarded 100% non adjacent rate and 100% maintenance grant and 100% fees and student contribution as previously confirmed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3287/14]
View answer85. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a student grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3439/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 85 together.
Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy has been awarded the full non adjacent maintenance grant. She is not eligible for a fee grant as she is studying in a college outside the state.
It appears that the original grant award letter was sent in error. The Deputy will appreciate that some errors may inevitably arise when handling a high volume of applications within a relatively short timeframe.
I understand that the applicant has appealed the decision in relation to her grant application to SUSI. The appeal will be dealt with as soon as possible and the student will be informed directly of the outcome.
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 Grants Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form is available to download from http://www.studentfinance.ie/downloads/1375344221/2013_SGAB_appeal_form.pdf.
