Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I am really happy that we seem to be in line regarding reviewing this. However, I wrote to the Minister in November and again in January, at which time we seemed to be at odds. I am glad that seems to have been rectified.

I am very conscious that the Minister has included reference to the Minister for Justice. My concern is that the buck will continue to be passed between the Department of Justice and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. There is an onus on Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science because the Minister is responsible for widening access and participation rates of marginalised groups, particularly those heading one-parent families and those coming from migrant backgrounds. This is a barrier for education. Kuxi Ghai, whom I mentioned, has not only raised this issue with me but she has also proposed potential solutions through amendment to the Student Support Regulations 2021 to include a new section that would specifically allow parents of Irish citizens to be eligible for the grant. I will email that to the Minister's office tomorrow.

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