922. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding access to financial supports for a student seeking to undertake a higher diploma programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52887/26]

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

The student referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for grant funding to SUSI. The student was awarded the Non-Adjacent Special Rate of Maintenance Grant funding and 100% Student Contribution or 100% Tuition Fees, as applicable. The awarding authority, SUSI, advised of this by letter on 24 June 2026. An official has also advised that the student submitted a course change notification form on 24 June 2026, with a new course, this application is currently queued for review by SUSI’s assessment unit and SUSI will contact the student when the review has been completed.

In terms of other supports available, students in higher education institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Students can apply for the SAF for 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 higher education institution attended. Please contact the Access Officer at your Higher Education Institution for information on the SAF.

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/en/home.aspx

I note from your correspondence that you have contacted the other relevant Departments in relation to further queries that you have.