Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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17. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a third level student, who is in receipt of the back to education allowance will receive a full maintenance grant if the household income falls below that of the income limits for a special rate of maintenance grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43751/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Students who qualify for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), may be considered for support for the student contribution under the student grant scheme provided they satisfy the conditions of the relevant Student Grant Scheme and Student Support Regulations including those relating to , residence, nationality, approved course, previous academic attainment and means. To determine eligibility for the 2013/14 academic year it will be necessary for the student to submit a fully completed online grant application to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) via www.susi.ie in respect of the cost of the student contribution and where applicable tuition fees.

From September 2010, all new applicants in receipt of the BTEA are no longer eligible for maintenance support under the student grant scheme. Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. The fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis. In addition to the student grant, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners on www.revenue.ie