Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not wish to make the Deputy uncomfortable, but I found myself agreeing with him during the previous Question Time. I find myself similarly thinking that there is merit in the issue he has raised this evening. I have done some work on it and I am committing now to intensify that work to try to get a positive outcome.

The nationality requirements for the student grant scheme are set out in section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011 and regulation 5 of the Student Support Regulations 2021. The candidate's nationality or immigration status in the State determines whether she or he meets the nationality requirement outlined in the Act and regulations, and would be therefore eligible to qualify for a student grant.

Permission to remain in the State on the basis of a stamp 4 visa does not, in itself, meet the nationality requirements of the student grant scheme. There is provision for a review of eligibility where a person’s circumstances change in the academic year. This includes a change to a student's immigration status in our country. Where a student acquires Irish citizenship by naturalisation or is granted one of the permission-to-remain criteria provided for in the Act or regulations during the course of their studies, she or he may apply to SUSI to have their application reassessed.

It is important that our approach to these issues is equitable, consistent and fully aligned with the intent and purpose of the immigration permissions which are granted to individuals. I have met the Irish Refugee Council to discuss this matter. We have tried to introduce changes in a number of areas. The Irish Refugee Council has been advocating for a change in this area for some time and there is significant merit in it. I understand that a number of NGOs have written to my Department in recent months on the matter. As a result of this and as a result of the Deputy's question, I have asked my officials to look in further detail at the issue he has raised. I have asked them to look at the wider issue of alignment of SUSI grants and free fee support with immigration permissions in collaboration with other relevant Departments and to provide advice to me as quickly as possible as to whether I can make any changes in this area to align with those broader objectives.

See this speech in context