Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
1032. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if as part of the SUSI review process, he will consider extending the fee grant to the four approved institutions in Northern Ireland as is currently the case for postgraduate studies; the estimated cost to the State for extending SUSI in this manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30575/21]
View answerUnder the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The Student Grant Scheme provides maintenance grants to eligible undergraduate students pursuing approved courses in other EU Member States. Student grant legislation was amended in 2020 to retain the status quo to allow maintenance grant funding for eligible students attending an approved undergraduate course in Northern Ireland/the UK to continue post-Brexit.
In general, an approved undergraduate course in this context is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds in another EU Member State or the UK.
The Student Grant Scheme does not extend to the payment of tuition fees to institutions outside the State, other than for exceptional provision in respect of postgraduate courses in Northern Ireland. This provision is consistent with the principles of the Good Friday Agreement and is intended to promote greater tolerance and understanding between both jurisdictions.
It is anticipated that the SUSI review will be completed later this year and will inform policy priorities for the next Estimates process and future considerations regarding the development of student grant policy. The extension of funding under the Student Grant Scheme to provide for both fees and maintenance grant assistance for undergraduate students in Northern Ireland is not part of the current review.
However, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax office or from the Revenue Commissioners website www.revenue.ie.
