Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2017

Tuesday, 21 February 2017

Questions (225)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Question:

225. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the hardship being imposed on students that apply for a higher education grant through SUSI, whereby they are only granted an adjacent rate of grant due to the fact that the distance calculations used use road routes which are the shortest in distance but the most inaccessible (details supplied); and if he will review the distance calculations method in view of upgraded road networks. [8585/17]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The current qualifying distance of 45km for the higher non-adjacent rate of student grant, takes into account a reasonable radius within which students may commute on a daily basis.

The measurement of the distances relating to the award of adjacent or non-adjacent rates of student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. The distance measurement for student grant rates is governed by Article 27(3)(a) and (b) of the Student Grant Scheme 2016. This provides that the relevant distance will be measured in line with agreed guidelines. The guidelines require that the shortest most direct route between the applicant's normal residence and the institution being attended should apply.

I understand that the student to which the Deputy refers, appealed the decision of the awarding authority to the statutory independent Student Grants Appeals Board. The appeal was considered by the Appeals Board on the 10th January 2017 and a decision issued directly to the student.