Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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169. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a higher education grant will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38339/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that SUSI has advised that the student in question applied for a maintenance grant for the 2018/2019 academic year. He was assessed and determined to be over the threshold for the award of any grant assistance as his reckonable income exceeded the thresholds set out in the scheme.

The decision was issued by SUSI on 18th May 2018 and the applicant was advised at that time of his right to appeal SUSI’s decision in accordance with the statutory timeline as set out in section 20 of the Student Support Act 2011. SUSI has further advised that no appeal was received within the statutory timeframe.

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 at www.revenue.ie.