Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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118. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to ensure that the SUSI appeals body expedites an appeal by a person (details supplied) who has appealed against a refusal to grant them the third level tuition fees sought in respect of their university course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47220/17]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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126. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to have correspondence (details supplied) processed; if this matter can be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47219/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the correspondence referred to in this instance was not previously received by my Department.

I understand that the student to which the Deputy refers, recently appealed the decision of the Appeals Officer of the awarding authority (SUSI) to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board (SGAB). The appeal will be heard within the 60 day timeframe set out in the Student Support Act 2011. The decision of the SGAB will be communicated directly to the student in due course.

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.

Also, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners at www.revenue.ie.