Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014
923. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the difficulties presented for students applying for Student Universal Support Ireland assistance who cannot prove their address as they do not have a lease agreement or utility bill in their own name; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that it would not be unusual for many persons to not have a lease agreement or utility bill in their own name. [41951/14]
View answerThe purpose of the student grant scheme is to provide additional assistance where parental income is below a certain threshold or, in the case of independent mature students, where the level of income of the student and his or her spouse warrants additional assistance by way of a grant. Documentary evidence is required as proof of a student's independent address from 1st October of the year prior to entry into college. The documentary evidence normally required includes utility bills, such as telephone, gas or electricity bill, evidence of registration with the Private Residential Tenancies Board or official documentation received at the address, for example, from a Government Department. Very significant numbers of third-level students move out of home to go to college and continue to be supported by their parents while in full-time education. Confirmation that a student is living separately from their parents/guardians is, of itself, not sufficient to establish independent status. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to their awarding body. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by their awarding body, 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 Grant Appeals Board.
