Third Level Education

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Ceisteanna (266)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

266. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a student who remained registered as a full-time student until the end of February 2026, following an official extension of their course by their institution, has been refused SUSI maintenance payments for January and February 2026 despite providing documentation from the college confirming continued full-time attendance and an updated course end date; the reason other students on the same course received payment for this period while this student did not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35385/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine.

SUSI provide an appeals process for applicants who may feel that they have been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one.

I understand from SUSI that the applicant in question appealed the decision to SUSI but was advised by the SUSI Appeals Officer that their appeal was unsuccessful.

If the applicant 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 (SGAB) within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the applicant on-line via [www.studentgrantappeals.ie ]

You will appreciate that the student grant appeals process has been established to investigate and address any issues concerning student grant applications, and my Department has no role in reviewing, or overturning individual grant or appeal decisions, nor can I intervene in the independent processes outlined above.