Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 July 2013
88. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 7 May 2013 and correspondence to this Deputy, his views on the case of a person (details supplied) who has been denied free fees on the basis that the springboard foundation course they completed was itself a major award [35608/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraArticle 13(6) is the relevant article in the 2012 student grant scheme providing for second chance students. The intention of this article is to focus resources on second chance and mature students. The five years break in studies will ensure that the emphasis is, as intended, on facilitating these students to return to education. I understand from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy pursued an approved post leaving certificate course leading to a major education and training award and as a result is ineligible to be accessed as a second chance student. The student was issued with a decision by SUSI on 12th April, 2013. The student in question will be issued a letter clarifying the position with regard to her fees.
