Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered pushing back the deferral dates for students following the delays around the Student Universal Support Ireland grant application process (details supplied) [6252/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Decisions on course deferrals are an issue between the student and the relevant higher education institution. Institutions have different rules on the particular circumstances that may be considered as reasons for a deferral. As the Deputy will appreciate, higher education institutions are autonomous bodies. As such, the governing authority of each institution is responsible for the day-to-day operational affairs, including conditions governing deferral of places. It would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the practice of individual institutions on deferrals. I would however say that individuals, for a variety of reasons and circumstances, consider deferring their courses.