Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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103. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath was refused a higher education grant on the grounds of their residency status even though they are in posession of a stamp 4 GNIB card; the reason this person was not granted a full review of their original application in view of information provided; the reason for refusal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47481/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that, following an appeal to SUSI from the student referred to by the Deputy, a letter issued on 22nd October 2013 upholding the original decision of the awarding authority.

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform adjudicates on a person's entitlement to remain in the State and on the stamp that is awarded where permission to remain is sanctioned. A 'stamp 4' does not of itself convey any entitlement to public services.

The nationality requirements for the student grant scheme are set out in section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011 and regulation 5 of the Student Support Regulations 2013.

In all cases, to qualify for a student grant, it is the grant applicant and not his/her parents that must meet the nationality or prescribed immigration status requirements in their own right. The onus is on the grant applicant to provide the necessary documentary evidence as proof of their nationality or immigration status to the relevant grant awarding authority.

Where an appeal is turned down in writing by SUSI and the applicant remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his or her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form is available to download from .