Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 December 2022
277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63129/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
The student referred to by the Deputy submitted a notice of Appeal to SUSI which was received on the 5 December 2022. The student stated there had been a change in circumstances as father ceased employment . On foot of this appeal a letter was sent by the SUSI Appeals Officer on 6 December 2022 requesting a document pertaining to this change of circumstances. This document was previously requested by SUSI in a letter dated 11 July 2022 as advised in response to PQ 54121/22. This document has not been submitted to date.
In addition to the above document, the Appeals Officer has also requested documentary evidence from the student's mother. These documents are required to enable the Appeal to be finalised and have not been provided to date.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, 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 Office in the third level institution attended.
