Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2015

Tuesday, 15 December 2015

Ceisteanna (553)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

553. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo who has been residing here for almost two decades and who has attended secondary school here; that the Department of Justice and Equality granted this person permission to remain in Ireland and stamp 4; if she will confirm that the person is a prescribed student eligible for student support, in accordance with section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45362/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Under the terms of the student grant scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.

The Deputy will appreciate that, in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form and supporting documentation, it is not possible to say whether or not a particular student would qualify for a grant.

The eligibility of the individual to which the Deputy refers is a matter for SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine; upon receipt of the relevant application form and supporting documentation.

If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal in the first instance to SUSI.

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.