Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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853. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) who wishes to return third level education after an extended absence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36766/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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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

Generally speaking, a grant will not be paid to a student for a repeat period of study on the same course, or for a different course at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. The objective of this policy is to help as many students as possible to obtain one qualification at each level of study.

Notwithstanding this, under Article 15(8) of the Student Grant Scheme 2024, the awarding authority SUSI has discretion to award a grant for a repeat period of study in exceptional circumstances, such as serious certified illness, which impacted on a student completing a particular period of study or undertaking exams in line with guidelines drawn up by the Minister. SUSI treats each application for repeat funding on a case-by-case basis and it is a matter for the individual student to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the awarding authority that there were exceptional circumstances.

My officials have advised that the student requested a review of their 2024/2025 under exceptional circumstances, the student provided some documents as had been requested by SUSI on 16 May 2024. An additional email was sent by SUSI to the student on 3 July 2024 requesting further documents to support the exceptional circumstances. No further documentation has been received by SUSI from the student.

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 Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.

In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student’s local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.