Michael Ring
Question:206. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason SUSI has not issued a reply to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17145/17]
View answerWednesday, 5 April 2017
Questions (206)
Written answers
My officials have contacted SUSI who has advised that the delay in responding to the Deputy’s request was because it was in the process of carrying out a full review of the case. This review is now complete and shows that the applicant in question commenced renewing her application on 23 June 2016 but failed to complete it before the priority closing date of 8 July 2016. SUSI subsequently announced a final online closing date of 3 November 2016 which the applicant also appears to have missed.
Under the statutory based Student Grants Scheme, decisions regarding late applications are matters to be determined by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
The online application system for the 2016/17 academic year, closed on the 3rd of November 2016. Students wishing to make an application after that date must satisfy one of the following criteria in order to be granted access to make a late application:
1. The course started after the online closing date;
2. The applicant had a change of circumstance after the online closing date, regarding one or more of the following:
- Reckonable income;
- Number of dependent children;
- Relevant persons commencing an approved course;
- Normal residence;
- Nationality or immigration status; and/or
- Change of course or institution.
3. The applicant experienced extenuating circumstances that adversely affected her ability to make an application prior to the online closing date of 3 November 2016 e.g. a close bereavement or medical condition.
Having made enquiries with the awarding authority, I have been advised that this student did not meet the qualifying criteria for late applications and was notified accordingly.