Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

The SUSI grant system has let down homeless students who have been refused the grant. If a system is not providing a grant to a student who is homeless, then it is absolutely broken. There are inadequacies and discrepancies. Many families are caught in that gap just above the threshold but still finding it increasingly hard to pay the fees. I know of a number of students who had to take out loans just to pay for fees for their education.

Another issue is that the threshold for the grant focuses on the household income from the previous year. A couple could be made redundant in a particular year, but their income hardship is not recognised by SUSI because they were comfortable that year.

Another big issue relates to students who are estranged from their parents. The application process is nothing short of inhumane.

When will we have an update on when the SUSI reforms will fully kick in? Will the Minister take immediate action to ensure that no homeless student who applies for a grant is left unaided?

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