Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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111. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the circumstances raised in correspondence about a person (details supplied) have been considered under the review of the student grant scheme; the steps that have been put in place which will allow this person avail of the special rate of maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25238/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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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.

The applicant referred to by the Deputy did not have an eligible lone-term payment on 31st. December and therefore did not qualify for the special rate of maintenance. However, the applicant did secure student support at the 100% grant level.

The current system of student support is underpinned by the Student Support Act 2011. A review of the Act has commenced, with a view to ensuring that student supports continue to effectively target those most in need of assistance.  All relevant issues, including an examination of the qualifying criteria for the special rate of grant, will be considered as part of this review.

Apart from the Student Grant 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. 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.