Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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We are here to discuss higher and further education grants, in particular the operation and effects of the current approach to income assessment. The joint committee last considered the higher and further education grant system in 2013, following the establishment of SUSI. Major concerns arose then but they appear to have been largely resolved at this stage. There was a lot of work done and engagement by the committee, on a cross-party basis, with SUSI to get some of the issues our constituents faced at the time dealt with. In the meantime, a lot of work has been done to improve the system, which SUSI now operates.

Some issues have been raised with us, as public representatives, and that is why we decided to arrange a meeting to discuss the matter. Deputy Jim Daly, in particular, sought this meeting to discuss the matter, in particular the operation of the approach to income assessment that is used for grant applications and how that affects applicants. The matter has given rise to concerns being expressed by members who have been contacted by their constituents.

To discuss this matter with the joint committee I welcome from the Department of Education and Skills, Mr. Brian Power and Ms Thérèse Gorman, and from SUSI we have Mr. Seamus De Faoite and Mr. Graham Doyle.

We also invited the Student Grants Appeals Board. However, the chair of the board has responded stating that the board, which is part-time in nature, is convened at regular intervals to consider appeals. The role of the board is to examine appeals to determine whether the terms and conditions of the scheme, and associated statutory instruments, are applied correctly. It is not open to the appeals board to depart from the terms and conditions of the grants scheme, regardless of the applicant's individual or personal circumstances. The board regrets that it is not in a position to attend the meeting today but has provided a written submission. The submission has been circulated to members and is on their database as well.

To commence our discussion I invite Mr. Power to make his presentation on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills.