Mr. Seamus De Faoite:

To look at the bigger picture, 103,500 applications were received this year and 6%, or just over 7,000 people, were refused because they were deemed to be over the limit. We carried out analysis on marginal cases. We examined 282 cases within €50 of the thresholds, some of which were above and others below. Of the 282 cases, only 20% of them did not receive the higher rate. This goes back to the ethos mentioned by Mr. Doyle, that we look at all income disregards and the higher thresholds, so if we can get somebody within the income limit we will do so. Only five people did not receive any support from SUSI. They fell between €20 and €50. This is a small number in terms of the overall figure. Regardless of what the limit is, there will always be cases which will lose out. We have an internal review process and an appeals process. Every opportunity is given to people throughout the timeline.

The number of cases being appealed has decreased. This year 2,500 applications have been appealed and the number last year was 4,600. We ensure we deal with cases within the 30 day timeline. We must be conscious of the fact that if students want to come back we cannot be seen to be too hard on them. We want to give them as much support as possible.