Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 July 2014
219. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of cases where Student Universal Support Ireland had approved third level grants for persons and then withdrew the approval; her actions to correct this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32177/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to figures provided to officials in my Department by Student Universal Support Ireland, fees and maintenance grants were awarded to almost 60,000 students, including new and renewal applicants, in respect of the 2013-14 academic year. The applications of almost 33,000 other applicants were either refused or cancelled. 1,484 students were initially awarded a grant but were subsequently refused. No payment was issued to students in the majority of these cases. The withdrawal of a previously awarded grant may occur for a number of reasons, which may have subsequently come to the attention of the awarding authority, including repeat period of study, in receipt of Back to Education Allowance, following an appeal, not an approved course etc. Grant applications are also reviewed by SUSI on a continuous basis, including, in particular, when a student is being renewed from year to year. In these cases it can come to attention that an application was incorrectly assessed or that the circumstances that determine a student's eligibility are different, or have changed, from those on the basis of which a grant was initially awarded. This is particularly the case where a student's eligibility may have been marginal in one year and is selected for specific review prior to renewal in the following year. Any overpayment of a grant is required to be repaid by the student in accordance with the Student Support Act 2011 and the Student Grant Scheme. SUSI implements a repayment policy under which students are asked to agree a repayment plan that is appropriate to their circumstances. SUSI deals with such repayments carefully and sensitively having regard to the ability of students to make repayments.
