Barry Cowen
Ceist:66. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a decision on an application for a student grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [48788/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraStudent Grant Scheme Applications
Ceisteanna (66)
Freagraí scríofa
The decision on eligibility for new student grant applications from the 2012/13 academic year is a matter for the new centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). The student referred to by the Deputy had her application cancelled by SUSI as it was incomplete. On 24th August, 2012 a letter was issued by SUSI to the student informing her that her application was cancelled and advising her to reapply. When re-applying for a student grant it will be necessary for the student to complete all sections of the application form.
Student Grant Scheme Applications
Ceisteanna (67)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:67. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a decision on an application for a student grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly [48789/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The decision on eligibility for new student grant applications from the 2012/13 academic year is a matter for the new centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Officials in my Department have confirmed with SUSI, the new centralised grant awarding authority, that on 25th October 2012 a letter issued to the student referred to by the Deputy requesting additional supporting documentation. When the documentation is returned to the grant awarding authority the student will be notified directly of the outcome.
School Transport Eligibility
Ceisteanna (68)
James Bannon
Ceist:68. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school bus ticket in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48812/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the child in question is not attending his nearest education centre and is therefore not eligible for school transport. Children who are not eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme may apply to Bus Éireann for transport on a concessionary basis provided there are spare seats available on the service, and the appropriate annual charge is paid. The family should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office if they wish to avail of school transport on a concessionary basis.
Student Grant Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (69)
Arthur Spring
Ceist:69. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he intends to adjust the student maintenance grant, either by reducing the grant rates or by tightening the conditions for eligibility. [48817/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will appreciate that as the preparation of the Estimates for any Budget including Budget 2013 is carried out on a strictly confidential basis, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on specific issues or proposals, including those relating to student grants, in advance of the Budget announcement.
Student Grant Scheme Applications
Ceisteanna (70)
Patrick Nulty
Ceist:70. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a student grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 will be expedited; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48823/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant grant awarding authority, which in this case is County Dublin VEC. Officials in my Department have confirmed with County Dublin VEC that a decision letter will issue shortly to the student referred to by the Deputy.
Student Grant Scheme Applications
Ceisteanna (71)
Robert Troy
Ceist:71. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will expedite the Student Universal Support Ireland grant application in respect of a person (details supplied). [48829/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), the new centralised awarding authority, that the grant application of the student referred to by the Deputy for the 2012/13 academic year was refused. SUSI has confirmed that the applicant appealed their decision and a letter on the appeal issued on 23rd October, 2012.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.
Student Grant Scheme Applications
Ceisteanna (72)
Robert Troy
Ceist:72. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will expedite the Student Universal Support Ireland in respect of a person (details supplied). [48830/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The decision on eligibility for new student grant applications from the 2012/13 academic year is a matter for the new centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Officials in my Department have confirmed with SUSI, the new centralised grant awarding authority, that on 23rd October 2012 a letter issued to the student referred to by the Deputy requesting additional supporting documentation. When the outstanding documentation is returned to the grant awarding authority the student will be notified directly of the outcome.
Student Grant Scheme Applications
Ceisteanna (73)
Robert Troy
Ceist:73. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will expedite the Student Universal Support Ireland in respect of a person (details supplied). [48831/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The decision on eligibility for new student grant applications from the 2012/13 academic year is a matter for the new centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Officials in my Department have confirmed with SUSI that additional documentation requested from the student referred to by the Deputy was received on 1st November, 2012. The documentation is currently awaiting review and the student will be notified directly of the outcome.