Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In recent parliamentary questions I highlighted a situation where recently approved recipients of stamp 4 status under the regularisation of the long-term undocumented persons scheme are being precluded from Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, on the basis that many are unable to prove that they have been in the country lawfully for three of the five preceding years. It is an anomaly in what is otherwise a laudable scheme.

I hope the Taoiseach can look at addressing this issue as it is casting a shadow over what is otherwise an excellent scheme that reflects positively on this country. We have many young people. In particular, I am dealing with a family with three children of university age who are anxious to further their education and will make a valuable contribution to society. However, a quirk in the SUSI rules is precluding them from advancing. I am hopeful it is something the Taoiseach will take on board and try and address for us.

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