Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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849. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the funding support available to a person (details supplied); if their SUSI application will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15630/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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One of the criteria in the student grant scheme relates to 'progression'. This means that a student must be moving from year to year within a course, having successfully completed the previous year or be transferring from one course to another, where the award for the subsequent course is of a higher level than the previous course. The objective of this policy is to help as many students as possible to obtain one qualification at each level of study.

The student referred to by the Deputy is currently pursuing a Level 9 qualification (2024/25 academic year) and the student was previously awarded a Level 9 qualification in the 2021/22 academic year.

As the student already holds a qualification at Level 9, they are not eligible for funding at the same level again.

Students experiencing exceptional financial need may be eligible to apply for supports under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) which has been supplemented by a further €10m under the cost of education supports in Budget 2025. 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. Students in need of support should contact the Access Office in the higher education institution they attend to check what supports may be available.

In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. More information on the tax credit and the tax treatment of students generally is available from the Revenue Commissioners on Students (revenue.ie) or from your local Tax Office.