Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 December 2020
176. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a postgraduate student (details supplied) who is a long-term recipient of a Department of Social Protection payment is not eligible for the special rate of student grant; if the matter will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42292/20]
View answerAs part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications.
This service, which was set up at the behest of Oireachtas members, complements the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter. Enquiries may be emailed direct to graduate Special Rate of at oireachtas@susi.ie. Staff in SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.
With regard to the specific application, I have been advised by my officials that the application of the student in question has recently been reviewed by SUSI and I can confirm the applicant has now been awarded the Postgraduate Special Rate of grant. A new award letter confirming the rate awarded will be sent to the applicant shortly.
