Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is talking about a specific case, as is his right. I do not have the information available to me on a case. Obviously, appeal mechanisms are available. A system that does not understand the needs is a very significant concern. I acknowledge that and I am happy to engage with the Deputy on this specific case. This is a scheme based on income thresholds. It is there to support the most vulnerable, the most marginalised and those most in need of assistance based on the income level in their household.

The Deputy has identified difficulties under the current scheme whereby some students are not being assessed on an independent basis and instead are linked to their parents' income despite their estrangement. I regularly hear that from students.

In response to the Deputy's specific question, I have just received the SUSI review. It is a commitment in the programme for Government. The Deputy will be familiar with the terms of reference. They are quite broad in acknowledging that the scheme needs to be overhauled. I intend to bring that to the Government alongside the sustainable funding model. I expect to do that in the coming months and to come forward with SUSI reforms as part of the sustainable funding model.

See this speech in context