Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2021
158. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will urgently review and provide assistance in respect of a SUSI application by a person (details supplied) which remains unanswered following multiple representations on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56342/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main support available to assist postgraduate students with the cost of attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme.
As per Article 14 (2) of the Student Grant Scheme 2021, a student is not eligible for a grant if they have been awarded or hold a grant, scholarship, prize, allowance or bursary which is made from public funds in the State, or equivalent from a Member State, the EEA or Swiss Confederation.
The July Stimulus package provided modular skills courses in higher education institutions in the academic year 2020/21. These courses were short and focused and allowed people to gain important skills without taking a considerable period away from the labour market. These are only available for 2020/2021 academic year as funding was allocated as a response to the impacts of the global pandemic, providing upskilling and reskilling places for those who have been most affected and ensuring that they have the skills most needed by employers today. If the student is in receipt of funding from the HEA July Stimulus Programme then they are not eligible for funding from SUSI.
The decision on student grant eligibility for a student grant is a matter for SUSI to determine. Officials in my Department have been advised by SUSI that the student referred to by the Deputy was issued a student grant decision letter on 21st June 2021.
