Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
339. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an Irish citizen (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who satisfies all the relevant criteria to avail of help and funding from Student Universal Support Ireland, but who fails the criteria on residency, having lived abroad for a time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37934/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy, that following an appeal to the SUSI Appeals Officer the original decision of the awarding authority was upheld and a decision letter issued on 13th August, 2013.
Under the residency requirement of the Student Grant Scheme, a student must have been legally resident in Ireland for at least 3 of the 5 years immediately prior to commencing an approved course in an approved institution. However, a student may qualify for a grant, having met the residency requirement during the course of their studies. Where an appeal is turned down in writing by SUSI and the applicant remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his or her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.
