Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the financial support available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18072/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The student referred to by the Deputy should contact the SUSI Helpdesks in relation to making enquiries to complete a grant application form in order to determine his eligibility for student support.

While maintenance support is not available for students entering approved postgraduates courses, those who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme 2012 may be eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit of €6,270. Postgraduate students may qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the costs of their fees where they meet the relevant terms and conditions. T he income threshold for this payment is €31,500 for the 2012/13 academic year, increasing relative to the number of family dependents.

Tax relief is also available on postgraduate tuition fees. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners. In addition, 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.