Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2015

Tuesday, 20 January 2015

Ceisteanna (546)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

546. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if Student Universal Support Ireland disregards mortgage interest supplement when assessing entitlement to grants. [2788/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Assessment of means under my Department's student grant scheme is based on gross income from all sources of the applicant and his/her parent(s)/legal guardian. Where applicable, certain social welfare and health service executive payments are considered exempt. It is necessary, therefore, that information regarding all income is accounted for when completing the grant application form. The list of payments, known for the purposes of the Student Grant Scheme 2012 as income disregards, does not extend to mortgage interest supplement.