Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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203. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there is additional student grant financial support available to students who are living in isolated rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17070/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that, in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form and supporting documentation, it is not possible to say whether or not a particular student(s) would qualify for a grant or other supports.

Under the terms of the student grant scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means. The eligibility of the individual to which the Deputy refers is a matter for SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine; upon receipt of the relevant application form and supporting documentation.

There are no specific supports targeted at students living in "isolated rural areas". However, if the student in question qualifies for a SUSI grant and is living more than 45kms from college, then s/he may qualify for a higher maintenance grant.

Other possible supports include:

1) Tax Relief on Tuition Fees - Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners on www.revenue.ie and

2) The Student Assistance Fund - 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. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.