Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the amount a student (details supplied) in County Laois will receive in their maintenance grant from Student Universal Support Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58164/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Maintenance support is not available for students entering postgraduate courses in the academic year 2012/13.

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that issued a grant award letter to the student in question on 14 November 2011. His application was subsequently reviewed and a revised award letter issued providing the him with revised grant details in postgraduate fee contribution of €2,000.

If the applicant considers that the grant awarded is not the correct one, he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI. The 30 day period provided for the submission of an appeal may be extended for a further period of 30 days if the appeals officer is satisfied that the person has given reasonable cause to so extend.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.

The Student Assistance Fund will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need.