Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2023
533. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on SUSI grants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8462/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe nationality requirements for the Student Grant Scheme are set out in Section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011 and Regulation 5 of the Student Support Regulations 2022. The candidate's nationality or immigration status in the State determines whether or not she or he meets the nationality requirement outlined in the Act and Regulations, and would be therefore eligible to qualify for a student grant.
My understanding is that the majority of persons in the situation outlined by the Deputy are given permission to remain in the State on the basis of a Stamp 4 Visa which, of itself, does not meet the nationality requirements of the Student Grant Scheme 2022.
There is provision for a review of eligibility where a person’s circumstances changes in the academic year. This includes a change in relation to a student's nationality or immigration status. Where a student acquires Irish citizenship by naturalisation, or is granted one of the permission to remain criterion provided for in the Act or Regulations during the course of their studies, she or he may apply to SUSI to have their application re-assessed.
I think it is important that our approach to these issues is equitable, consistent and fully aligned with the intent and purpose of the immigration permissions which are granted to individuals. My Department has liaised, and continues to liaise, with the Department of Justice on this issue.
The issues raised are subject to consideration by my Department as part of the annual options paper which will be prepared in the summer and which sets out the possible policy options and their indicative costs ahead of Budget 2024. At this time it is not possible to pre-empt the outcome of that paper and any measures which may follow.
