Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 January 2014
254. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a student grant appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2652/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department have been informed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy has been awarded a 50% student contribution fee for the academic year 2013/14.
The income thresholds for student grants were reduced by 3% for the 2013/14 academic year. The student in question is classed as a dependent student and the reckonable income for grant purposes includes both her own income and that of her parents/legal guardians. An applicant's class is defined at his/her first point of entry to an approved higher or further education course and will continue to apply for the duration of his/her studies.
I understand that the applicant appealed the original decision to the SUSI appeals officer who turned down the appeal.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted 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 relevant appeal form is available to download from http://www.studentfinance.ie/downloads/1375344221/2013_SGAB_appeal_form.pdf.
