Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 November 2018
76. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to change the regulations governing SUSI grants in circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47551/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware of the Programme for Government commitment to increase financial supports for post graduate students with a particular focus on those from low income households.
In response to this commitment, additional funding of €4 million was secured in Budget 2017 and a further €3 million in Budget 2018, to facilitate the reinstatement of full maintenance grants, from September 2017, for the most disadvantaged post graduate students.
This has benefited approximately 1,100 of the most disadvantaged post graduate students who met the eligibility criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant, from September 2017, and it reverses the budgetary cut that was imposed on this cohort of students in 2012.
The qualifying criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant is as follows:
1. The student must qualify for the standard rate of grant;
2. Total reckonable income, after income disregards and Child Dependant Increase(s) are excluded, must not exceed €23,500; and
3. As at 31st December of the previous year, the reckonable income must include one of the eligible long-term social welfare payments prescribed in the Student Grant Scheme.
Grant eligibility is subject to annual review and applicants must continue to meet all qualifying criteria for the relevant rate of grant in order to continue to receive that particular rate of grant.
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. The fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
Tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners on www.revenue.ie
