Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
273. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students who failed to qualify for third level SUSI grants in 2017 and 2018 due to their earnings being above the €4,500 limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18704/19]
View answer274. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students in counties Laois and Offaly who failed to qualify for third level SUSI grants in 2017 and 2018 due to their earnings being above the €4,500 limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18705/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 273 and 274 together.
In the assessment of means, a deduction can be made for “Holiday Earnings” earned by the applicant from employment outside of term time but within the reference period for the assessment of income for student grant purposes.
The value of the Holiday Earnings income disregard was increased from €3,809 to €4,500 under the Student Grant Scheme 2016.
I wish to advise that the awarding authority does not collate information specifically on 'Holiday Earnings' as the assessment of means under the Student Grant Scheme is based on gross income from all sources, with certain social welfare and health service executive payments being exempt. Furthermore, the assessment of an applicant’s eligibility is multifactorial, involving assessment against criteria such as means, nationality, residency, progression and whether or not the course is an approved course.
