Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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109. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress in respect of an appeal for higher education grant in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8520/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the grant application of the student referred to by the Deputy was refused. The student appealed to the Appeals Officer in SUSI and a letter issued dated 17th February 2014, upholding the original decision.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form is available to download from . The Student Assistance Fund is managed on behalf of my Department by the Higher Education Authority and is administered on a local basis by participating higher education institutions and targets those students most in need.

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.