Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2012
221. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a third level student grant will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois after Student Universal Support Ireland informed the applicant in August that the college and the course were approved and SUSI have now changed the criteria and removed this from the website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54403/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy, her student grant application was unsuccessful and that she appealed the decision to the appeals officer in SUSI, its original decision was upheld and the student was notified on 3rd December 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 independent Student Grants Appeals Board. The student grant scheme has never extended to postgraduate study outside of the island of Ireland. This is reflected in the relevant governing legislation and the scheme set down by way of statutory instrument. A grant awarding authority does not have the power to amend the scheme. The student may be eligible for tax relief on their tuition fees. Details on this relief are available at www.revenue.ie.
