Student Universal Support Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018

Tuesday, 6 November 2018

Ceisteanna (332)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

332. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, grant in view of the fact that they were accepted by a university for a place for a bachelors degree; his views on whether it would be inappropriate and unfair to halt them pursuing their education due to a lack of funds as a result of the refusal of a grant; if SUSI will review this case on the basis that they have been accepted onto the desired course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45372/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that the applicant in question is not the subject of an appeal to the Student Grant Appeals Board.

However, as part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications.This service complements the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter. Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at [e-mail]. Staff in SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.