Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
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502. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a Student Universal Support Ireland grant appeal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39854/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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An appeal from the student referred to by the Deputy was heard by the independent Student Grants Appeals Board on 02 September 2014 and considered further on 30 September 2014, upon receipt of additional documentary information, with the decision of the SUSI appeals officer upheld.

In order to be assessed as an independent mature student an applicant must provide sufficient evidence to show that he/she was living independently of his/her parents from October of the year before the first point of entry to higher education. I understand that the student referred to by the Deputy entered their course in 2013/14 and needs to provide proof of independent residence from October 2012. The Appeals Board was not satisfied that independent residence was established and advised the student that an affidavit from the landlady would not be accepted unless there was other documentary evidence to support it.

The Appeals Board would consider the appeal further should substantive documentary evidence be provided to demonstrate independent residence.