Written answers

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Department of Education and Skills

Student Grant Scheme Eligibility

Photo of Eoghan MurphyEoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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755. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the support schemes available to persons who return to education following unemployment (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46590/15]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The options available to persons, returning to education following unemployment, can vary depending on each individual's particular set of circumstances.

Under the terms of the student grant scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to nationality, residency, approved course, previous academic attainment and means. To determine eligibility, a student may submit a fully completed online grant application to SUSI. However, I understand that the Grants Online Application system for the 2015/16 academic year is now closed for new applications.

The student to which the Deputy refers can still apply for support to the Access Office in the institution he is attending. The Student Assistance Fund is targeted at students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need. 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.

The student has further enquired about supports available under the back to education scheme. As the Deputy will be aware the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is administered by the Department of Social Protection. Enquiries in respect of the BTEA should be referred to that Department.

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