Written answers

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Department of Education and Skills

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

341. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in respect of the Student Universal Support Ireland application for a person (details supplied) in County Cork, the reason the person has been assessed as being eligible for only 50% grant support as opposed 100%; if the persons fees in the UK college are covered; if, in view of the psychological report that has been provided, any additional funding is available for extra classes. [13447/14]

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

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter in the first instance for the awarding authority.

Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy was originally refused a grant as the reckonable household income was in excess of the income thresholds allowed.

The student appealed the decision due to a change in circumstances and following provision of documents to support same, her application was reassessed and she was awarded a 50% Non-Adjacent Maintenance Grant.

The student was not awarded a fee grant as, under the Student Grant Scheme 2013, the only financial support available to Irish undergraduate students studying outside the island of Ireland is the maintenance grant. The Student Grant Scheme does not provide for any additional funding for extra classes.

The Deputy will appreciate that the terms of the Student Grant Scheme are general in nature and exceptions cannot be made regardless of individual circumstances.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.