Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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702. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to review the case of a person (details supplied); the reason this person was refused the special rate of SUSI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67305/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the awarding authority, SUSI to determine.

The qualifying criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant in the 2025/2026 academic year as specified under the Student Grant Scheme 2025 are as follows:

1. Students must qualify for the standard rate of grant;

2. Total reckonable income (net of income disregards and Increase for Qualified Child) must not exceed €27,400 for undergraduate students, and

3. As at 31st December 2024, the reckonable income must include one of the eligible long-term social welfare payments prescribed in the Student Grant Scheme.

With regard to the specific application, I have been advised by my officials that the student to whom the Deputy refers was awarded the full Non-adjacent standard rate of maintenance grant by the awarding authority, SUSI, together with 100% student contribution or 100% tuition fees whichever applies. While the student’s reckonable income was under the 2025/2026 threshold of €27,400, they were not in receipt of an eligible special rate payment on 31st December 2024.

If the student's circumstances change and they are awarded an eligible payment in the future they may request an internal review by emailing the SUSI Support Desk at support@susi.ie.

In terms of other supports available, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Students can apply for the SAF to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties and can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs, medical costs and books/class materials. This Fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.

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 including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners website: www.revenue.ie.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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703. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to review the case of a person (details supplied); if there is any avenue available to seek a review or appeal of the decision in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67343/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the awarding authority, SUSI to determine.

As per Article 22 (3) of the Student Grant Scheme 2025, in calculating reckonable income, the awarding authority shall consider income from all sources whether it arises in the State or not. Article 22 (5) states that, for the purposes of determining the reckonable income of an applicant, the aggregate of any of the following shall be deducted - overtime payments earned in the reference period that are not recurring payments.

Where an applicant is aggrieved by a determination of the awarding authority, they may appeal in the first instance to SUSI. Where a student 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 their case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required time-frame.

The student referred to submitted an appeal to the Independent Student Grant Appeals Board (the Board) and the appeal was considered by the Board on the 21 October 2025. The Board requested additional documentation in relation to overtime payments. The Board considered the documentation which included payslips submitted by the student and determined that overtime payments were recurring. Therefore these payments must be included in calculating reckonable income.

The determination of the Board was communicated directly to the student on that date and the decision of the Board is final.

Your attention is drawn to Section 21(6) of the Student Support Act 2011 which sets out provisions for appealing to the High Court on a point of law.

In terms of other supports available, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Students can apply for the SAF to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties and can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs, medical costs and books/class materials. This Fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.

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 including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners website: www.revenue.ie.