Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2024
1302. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if she will allow SUSI to have a discretionary role in assessing applications as not all circumstances fit easily into criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43926/24]
View answerThe Student Grant Scheme is a statutory scheme. As with any statutory scheme, a core principle of the Student Grant Scheme is that there is consistency of approach and an equitable treatment for applicants. All applications are therefore assessed nationally with reference to the terms and conditions of the Scheme, which are applied impartially to all applicants.
SUSI has no discretion to vary or modify the criteria laid down within the provisions of the Student Grant Scheme and its governing legislation.
Article 32 of the Student Grant Scheme 2024 provides for a review of eligibility for the award of a grant in the event of a change of circumstances during the academic year. Where a student experiences a change of circumstances during the course of their studies, they may apply to SUSI to have their application re-assessed at support@SUSI.ie quoting Internal Review in the Subject line.
In addition, where a student considers they have been unjustly refused a student grant, they can appeal in the first instance to SUSI. If their appeal is turned down by SUSI they can further appeal to the independent Student Grant Appeals Board.
The Department reviews policy on an ongoing basis, having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands in the further and higher education sector.
