Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Only in exceptional cases can candidates who are under 23 be assessed without reference to their parents/guardians income or address, Article 21(3)(b) of the Student Grant Scheme refers.

The assessment of a case of estrangement is carefully considered to ensure there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the exceptional circumstances pertaining in such cases genuinely exists. The scheme does not stipulate precisely how the awarding authority satisfies itself that such circumstances prevail. This is to allow the awarding authority sufficient flexibility to assess the evidence of irreconcilable estrangement in each individual case. The type of documentary evidence required is dependent on the applicant's individual circumstances.

Accepted evidence to support an application can include a letter from a Social Worker/TUSLA confirming the students' estrangement. A Court Order may be used as documentary evidence if available. Other documents may also be provided but must specifically confirm irreconcilable estrangement from their parents.

If an applicant considers they have been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, they may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI. If they have had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remain of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in their 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.