Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In August I announced my intention to provide supports, in line with the current Student Grant Scheme, to students in the protection system (other than those at the deportation stage). This new pilot measure began accepting applications on the 1st of September.

The qualifying criteria for this pilot support scheme differs from that of the statutory based Student Support Scheme. The residency criterion for the pilot scheme requires applicants to have been continuously resident in the State for at least 5 years.

To be eligible for a grant under the Student Grant Scheme, a "student", as defined in Section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011, must demonstrate that he/she has been resident in the State for at least 3 years out of the 5 year period ending on the day before the start of their approved course of study.

This requirement takes cognisance of students who wish to take time out to travel or work abroad. Such students can still meet the residency requirement if they have not been outside the State for more than two of the previous five years.

It is also possible for a student, who did not meet the residency requirement at the commencement of their studies, to have their eligibility reviewed if they meet the residency requirement during the course of their studies.

I have no plans to change the current arrangements.