Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of appeals received by the Independent Student Grant Appeals Board; the number of appeals that have been decided on; if he will provide a breakdown of the decisions in relation to whether the original decision was confirmed or amended; the total amount of grants approved to date; when all the appeals will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4184/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Deputy may be aware that prior to an appeal to the Student Grant Appeals Board, an initial appeal to the relevant grant awarding authority is provided for under the Student Support Act 2011. This provides for a review of the decision by an appeals officer, independently of the original assessment process. If the grant applicant is still not satisfied with the outcome of the initial appeal, a further appeal can be made to the Student Grants Appeals Board which is fully independent in the performance of its functions.

Up to 15 January 2013, the Student Grants Appeals Board received and considered 89 appeals for the 2012/13 academic year. The appeals were in respect of decisions made by 18 grant awarding authorities. Of the 89 appeals heard, 10 were overturned. The statistical data sought by the Deputy in relation to these appeals is contained in the accompanying table.
As at the close of business on 25 January 2013, a further 34 appeals have been received and these are scheduled for consideration by the Appeals Board on 13 February 2013. The number scheduled for hearing may increase if further appeals are received in time. Appeals are received on an on-going basis throughout the academic year. They are considered by the Appeals Board as quickly as possible and within the maximum 60 days prescribed by the Student Support Act, 2011.

Breakdown of results of appeals to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board for the 2012/13 academic year as at 15 January, 2013

*Generally referred back to a grant awarding authority (GAA) to consider a change in a student’s circumstances.