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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

SUSI anomaly for stamp 4 holders

Summary

Deputy Flaherty said some long-term undocumented people granted stamp 4 status were being blocked from SUSI because of a lawful-residence rule. The Taoiseach said the Government would check the issue and fix anomalies where different schemes were not aligned.

In recent parliamentary questions I highlighted a situation where recently approved recipients of stamp 4 status under the regularisation of the long-term undocumented persons scheme are being precluded from Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, on the basis that many are unable to prove that they have been in the country lawfully for three of the five preceding years. It is an anomaly in what is otherwise a laudable scheme.

I hope the Taoiseach can look at addressing this issue as it is casting a shadow over what is otherwise an excellent scheme that reflects positively on this country. We have many young people. In particular, I am dealing with a family with three children of university age who are anxious to further their education and will make a valuable contribution to society. However, a quirk in the SUSI rules is precluding them from advancing. I am hopeful it is something the Taoiseach will take on board and try and address for us.

Comment on this
Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I thank the Deputy. We will certainly be happy to check out that. If the Deputy wants to send some details to me or to the office of the Minister, Deputy Foley, we will check it out. It happens sometimes in government that different schemes under different Departments are not quite aligned. Where anomalies exist, we try to fix them.

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