Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2012
266. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether students who have yet to receive their student grant approval are having difficulty accessing important student services as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49568/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra287. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will intervene with the third level colleges to ensure that students are not denied access to the colleges IT services due to the fact that they cannot be permanently registered because of the delays in approving grant applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49933/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take questions 266 and 287 together.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) on foot of a request from my Department, has written to all higher education institutions requesting them to show flexibility and consideration, as most have done in the past, to students who may be awaiting a decision on their grant application and/or payment of grants. The HEA has requested institutions to consider not withdrawing facilities such as library or exam access, given that these students are awaiting decision on their grant applications. The situation is being kept under review.
