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Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022

Thursday, 7 April 2022

Questions (356)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

356. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if an appeal by a person (details supplied) will be allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18982/22]

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Written answers

The main support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme where students are studying for the first time or are progressing to study at a higher level. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.

Assessment of means under the Student Grant Scheme 2022 is based on gross income from all sources, of the applicant and his parents or partner. No deduction is given for outgoings with the exception of pension contributions, legally enforceable maintenance payments and employment related expenses as approved by Revenue.

With regard to this specific application, I have been advised by my officials that the student to whom you refer has recently appealed to the Appeals Officer to SUSI. The appeal was considered and the determination of that appeal was communicated to the student directly on 4th April.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.

Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.

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