Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I very much take the seriousness of the point the Deputy is making.

Regardless of whether a large or small number are affected, the point is important and valid. I approached the answer to the question in that spirit.

We are slightly at risk of talking at cross purposes. Regarding the relevance of SUSI, I want to be clear again that the working family payment is an income disregard so there is no student who is not receiving the grant today because payment tipped him or her over an income level. The payment is disregarded; it is not included in the calculation of reckonable income as part of the student grant means test. While is it not included in calculating someone’s income, we do include it as an eligible payment to qualify for the special rate of grant to try to make sure the higher rate of grant is targeted at those most in need of the grant support.

I have some figures for the Deputy. SUSI has confirmed that the number of students awarded the special rate of maintenance by virtue of the working family payment in 2021 was 5,299. However, I will be happy to address the broader issue the Deputy is raiding.

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