Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
507. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of an application by a student (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25671/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main support available to assist postgraduate students with the cost of attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
I understand from SUSI the student was informed in November of the correct award of Postgraduate fee contribution of €3,500. An initial letter issued in error.
The awarding authority (SUSI) has advised that they responded to an official complaint received from the student in question and the issue has been reviewed by their ICT and Training team to prevent reoccurrence in the future.
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 inquiries about their grant applications. Inquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at oireachtas@susi.ie. Staff in SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.
