1515. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused the SUSI grant. [65785/26]

The main support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme which is administered by SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.

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

Article 22 of the Student Grant Scheme 2026 sets out for the awarding authority the determination of reckonable income. Reckonable income shall be determined by the awarding authority on the basis of information supplied in the application form and other relevant information and documentary evidence supplied. In calculating reckonable income, the awarding authority shall consider income from all sources.

An official from my Department has advised that documents submitted relating to the applicant’s father were deemed sufficient to confirm his income from self-employment in 2025. The applicant has been awarded the Full Non-Adjacent Standard Band 1 Rate of Maintenance Grant, together with 100% Student Contribution/Tuition Fees, whichever applies, and a letter advising of this was sent to the applicant on 31 July 2026.

When the applicant has registered for their course for the 2026/2027 academic year, and their higher education institution confirms their registration to SUSI, SUSI will issue their first maintenance payment to their nominated bank account.

I trust this clarifies the situation and I wish the student well in their studies.