Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 April 2014
70. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a student who is awarded Irish citizenship mid-way through an academic year who previously was refused a Student Universal Support Ireland grant on the basis of nationality may be awarded partial grant assistance for the subsequent part of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18234/14]
View answerArticle 32 of the Student Grant Scheme 2013 provides for the review of eligibility for the award of grant assistance in the event of changes of circumstances in the academic year, including a change in relation to a student's nationality or immigration status. This means that where a student acquires Irish citizenship by naturalisation, or is granted permission to remain, provided for in the Act or Regulations, during the course of their studies, he/she may apply to SUSI to have his/her application re-assessed. Any award the applicant may be eligible for as a result of a change in her immigration status will take effect from the date on which the change occurs.
