Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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529. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps that are in place for students (details supplied) who are not a typical course drop-out who wish to return to the education system following recovery, if they can re-apply for a SUSI grant and take into account pervious circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53153/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, progression, previous academic attainment and means.

Notwithstanding this, under Article 15(8) of the Student Grant Scheme 2021, the awarding authority (SUSI) has discretion to award a grant for a repeat period of study in exceptional circumstances in line with guidelines drawn up by the Minister. Chapter 1 of the Guidelines refer to exceptional circumstances that may arise which could impact on a student completing a particular period of study or undertaking exams. It is necessary, therefore, for the awarding authority to treat each application for repeat funding on a case-by-case basis and SUSI can be contacted directly in this regard.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe. Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.

Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need may 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. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the college attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.