Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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511. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the adjacent and non-adjacent rate of grants; her views on whether students who reside under 45 kilometres from where they intend to study are experiencing exceptional hardship due to the 45 kilometres clause (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5325/16]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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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.

The current qualifying distance for the higher non-adjacent rate of student grant, at 45km, takes into account a reasonable radius within which students may commute on a daily basis. There are no plans at present to revise the distance criteria.