Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2022
108. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details of SUSI grants appeals; the number of appeals which are still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59868/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision on whether or not a student is eligible for a student grant is a matter for SUSI, the centralised student grant awarding authority, to determine.
If a student considers that they have been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the right one, they may appeal to SUSI in the first instance.
As of 20 November 2022, SUSI had received 4,879 appeals for the 2022/23 academic year. Of those, 4,374 have been decided and 505 are still in progress. Of the 4,374 which have been decided, the original decision was affirmed in 2,516 cases. The decision was set aside or varied in 1,816 cases where there was a change of circumstances or new information was provided. In 42 cases, the decision was set aside or varied for other reasons.
Where a student has had an appeal turned down by SUSI and is still of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in their case, they can submit an appeal to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board. This has to be done no later than 30 days after the student is notified of the decision of the appeals officer. Such appeals can be made online via the website (which is at studentgrantappeals.ie).
The Student Grants Appeals Board has 60 days within which to make a determination on an appeal. An applicant is informed by email of the Appeals Board's decision.
The number of appeals heard by the Student Grant Appeals Board in the calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022 were:
- 769 in 2020
- 723 in 2021
- 524 up to 22nd November 2022.
There are currently 108 appeals still in progress.
Provision is also made in the Student Support Act 2011 for a person to appeal the decision of the Appeals Board to the High Court on a specified point of law.
