Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1314. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the SUSI review for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41385/21]
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 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 SUSI 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 student outlined by the Deputy submitted a renewal application to SUSI for the 2021/22 academic year and a change of circumstance was declared. A full assessment of the student's application was completed. On 14th June 2021 he was issued with a letter awarding him the 100% adjacent rate of grant as the shortest most direct route was confirmed to be under 45km. Following a request from the applicant for an internal review the distance from the student's residence from his college was confirmed as under 45km. The applicant has also informed SUSI that he may have a further change of circumstance. SUSI has advised that he can request an further internal review of his application and he should contact SUSI as soon as the change occurs.
