Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 July 2014
320. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the avenue left open to a student living 45.9 km from the college they attend in cases where an appeal hearing has determined they are living less than 45 km and is consequently awarded the adjacent rate of grant only. [31555/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra321. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any additional supports to students who live 45 km from the college they attend; are approved only for the adjacent rate of the higher education grant and whose parents income is so limited as to put third level education totally beyond their means unless an amount equivalent to the full, non-adjacent rate of grant is paid. [31556/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 320 and 321 together.
I understand that in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy that the appeal was considered by the Student Grants Appeals Board on 14 January 2014 and that the student was advised of his options in the letter which issued by the Appeals Board, which are that he may appeal to the High Court on a point of law under Section 21(6) of the Student Support Act 2011. Under the Ombudsman Acts 1980 to 2012, the Ombudsman can examine a complaint from the student if he feels he has been unfairly treated in his dealings with SUSI or the Appeals Board. Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
