Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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89. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason correspondence from a person (details supplied) regarding their eligibility in terms of the change of circumstances criteria for SUSI has not been responded to satisfactorily by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21769/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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A number of correspondences have been received by my Department from the individual referred to by the Deputy, all of which have been responded to.

Applications for a maintenance grant are means tested based on the reckonable income from the previous tax year. However, article 32 of the Student Grant Scheme provides for a review of eligibility during the academic year, if there is a permanent change in circumstance in respect of certain criteria specified in the scheme. Applicants must provide satisfactory documentation to confirm that the reduction in income is permanent. In this instance, due to the unpredictable nature of the fluctuations in exchange rates, the drop in reckonable income in 2016 was not considered a change in circumstances that was likely to continue for the duration of the course.

The person to which the Deputy refers, has exhausted all of the relevant appeals processes in relation to a student grant for the 2016/17 academic year.

Following the full appeals process, a person who is aggrieved by a determination of the Appeals Board, can appeal to the High Court on a specified point of law under Section 21(6) of the Student Support Act 2011. The individual concerned has been advised of this option.

In terms of other supports, 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.

Tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education, including approved postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners on www.revenue.ie.