John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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640. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to extend eligibility for the special rate of Student Universal Support Ireland grant to those applicants whose family income is below the threshold but who are not currently in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment; her views that where a family income is below a certain level the special rate should be awarded irrespective of whether the income is earned or awarded through a social welfare payment; that families who are working hard to support themselves but who are on low incomes should not be precluded from being eligible for the special rate grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34248/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Student Grant Scheme provides that in order to qualify for the special rate of grant an applicant must meet the following conditions:

1. The applicant must qualify for the standard rate of grant;

2. Reckonable income must not exceed €22,703; and

3. On the 31st December of the relevant period the reckonable income must include an eligible long-term payment prescribed in the Student Grant Scheme.

I have no plans to change the current eligibility criteria for the special rate of grant.

The Deputy may be aware that in addition to the scheme, 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. Details of this fund are available for the Access Office in the third level institution attended.