Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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475. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills why supporting documents were not accepted as evidence by SUSI for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61998/22]

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, previous academic attainment and means.

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.

The student referred to by the Deputy, as per letter to the applicant dated 29 September 2022, was awarded the 100% Rate of Student Contribution/50% Tuition Fees, whichever applies.

I understand from SUSI that the student declared that there were more than four dependent children in the household and documentary evidence was requested in order to complete SUSI’s assessment. The birth certificates and letters from colleges submitted by the student to confirm the number of dependent children were accepted by SUSI. Letters from the colleges with regards to the siblings confirming their registration were also submitted and accepted by SUSI and an increment of €9,900 was added to the reckonable income limit.

The student also requested a review of their application by SUSI and this has not altered the original decision of the 29th September 2022.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in 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 (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie .

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 Office in the third level institution attended.