Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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2142. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a parent's income is included in calculations of household income for the purposes of determining eligibility for SUSI where a student, or applicant for studies, is over the age of 23 and not considered a dependent child according to the Family Law Act 1995 as revised. [59147/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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In general, for student grant purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent students.

A student may be assessed as an independent student (i.e. assessed without reference to parental income) if they have attained the age of 23 on 1st January of the year of first entry or re-entry (following a break in study of at least 3 years) to an approved further or higher education course, and is not ordinarily resident with their parents from the previous 1st October. This status continues for the duration of their study. Otherwise, they would be assessed as a dependent student i.e. assessed with reference to parental income.

The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).

Applicants who do not meet the criteria to be assessed as an independent student for grant purposes, or who cannot supply the necessary documentation to establish independent living for the required period, may still apply to SUSI to have their grant eligibility assessed as a dependent student. The relevant information, including details of parental income, would be required by SUSI to determine grant eligibility as a dependent student.

Further information regarding class of applicant (independent, dependent, and mature dependent) and the types of documentation accepted as evidence of living independently from parents is available from SUSI’s website: www.susi.ie/eligibility-criteria/income/applicant-class/

In relation to the Deputy’s reference to the Family Law Act 1995, the Deputy will appreciate that a “dependant student” for the purposes of the Student Support Act 2011 and Regulations made thereunder and a “dependant child” for the purposes of the Family Law Act 1995 are definitions which exist independent of the other. The Deputy will also appreciate that any matters relating to the Family Law Act 1995 should be raised with my colleague the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and therefore it would not be appropriate for me to comment further in respect of same.

Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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2143. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the financial supports which are available to students who hold a level 6 qualification and intend to commence another level 6 course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59161/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).

In line with the rules of progression as set out in Article 17 of the 2025 Student Grant Scheme there is no provision to award a grant to a student who is pursuing a level 6 course who already holds a higher education and training award at or above Level 6 of the framework of qualifications, or equivalent.

However, a student who holds a further education qualification at level 5 or 6 may be eligible for a grant in respect of a blended tertiary programme which ultimately leads to a level 7 or 8 degree but some of which have embedded exit awards at level 6. These programmes are listed in Part C of Schedule 2 of the 2025 Student Support Regulations. Further information on SUSI supports for Tertiary Education Programmes can be found on www.susi.ie.

Students experiencing exceptional financial need may be eligible to apply for supports under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). 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.