Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 April 2019
79. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) can apply for reapproval of a higher education grant if and when they resume their studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17159/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my officials contacted SUSI regarding this case. SUSI has advised that it has no record of the student in question making an application for a student grant.
Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine.
Under Article 26(7) of the Student Grant Scheme 2018, a student who, having commenced an approved course, wishes to defer his or her grant during the course of his or her studies must obtain the prior approval of the awarding authority. Such student's eligibility will be reassessed on re-commencement of the course in order to ensure compliance with the relevant scheme.
It is open to any applicant to apply for grant assistance in the future, subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant Student Grant Scheme.
