The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter in the first instance for the awarding authority. Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy was originally refused a grant as the reckonable household income was in excess of the income thresholds allowed. The student appealed the decision due to a change in circumstances and following provision of documents to support same, her application was reassessed and she was awarded a 50% Non-Adjacent Maintenance Grant. The student was not awarded a fee grant as, under the Student Grant Scheme 2013, the only financial support available to Irish undergraduate students studying outside the island of Ireland is the maintenance grant. The Student Grant Scheme does not provide for any additional funding for extra classes. The Deputy will appreciate that the terms of the Student Grant Scheme are general in nature and exceptions cannot be made regardless of individual circumstances.
