Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 June 2014
91. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the availability of a higher education grant in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27745/14]
View answerOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the grant application of the student referred to by the Deputy was initially refused due to late return of documents. The student appealed to the Appeals Officer in SUSI and following a review of the case a letter issued to the student on the 23 June 2014, requesting documentation in relation to previous education. The appeal will be finalised as soon as this information is received.
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. Applicants have up to 30 days within which to appeal a SUSI decision to the Appeals Board and the Appeals Board has discretion to extend the appeals period by a further 30 days. The relevant appeal form is available to download from http://www.studentfinance.ie/downloads/1375344221/2013_SGAB_appeal_form.pdf.
