Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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172. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) who is applying for third level aid for the academic year 2014-2015 for their second year of study is being assessed on their means and independent living status in October 2012; the reason behind this decision; her views that this is the most suitable way of assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47522/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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As part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications.

This service complements the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter.

Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at oireachtas@susi.ie. SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.

I wish to advise the Deputy that in order to be assessed as an independent mature student the 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. In regard to the case referred to by the Deputy I note the student is in year two of his course in 2014/15 and, I understand, commenced his studies in 2013/14. Therefore, the student is required to demonstrate he was living independently from October 2012.