Tara Mines workers in education grants for children anomaly

Students whose parents have been laid off from Tara Mines are facing an uncertain future, with some looking at the possibility of dropping out of college.

Workers at Tara Mines who have been laid off since last July are worried about their children's education, as it emerged they are not entitled to Students Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grants.

Tuition and maintenance grants are available for students whose parents are on low incomes, but the income threshold is based on the previous years income, and not the current year's.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Regan said it was an anomoly that is affecting mine staff - although they have been laid off their children are not entitled to grants based on their previous income.

Deputy Johnny Guirke said that he has been contacted by a lot of worried parents in this position.

"They are really worried, they have lost their income, but their children cannot avail of grants to help towards fees and maintenance.

"This is a shocking position to be in for the parents and students, it will affect their whole future. Accommodation and living costs are so high, putting a child through college it is difficult for people in full employment, but for somebody whose been laid off it is nearly impossible.

"They are in limbo, they don't know when the mine will go back into production and have to live on a much reduced income, but there is no help for their children attending or hoping to attend college," he said.

Christine O'Mahony, a former student union officer said that a lot of students cannot get grants unless they can prove they have been independent of their parents for a long time, otherwise the grants are based on the family income.

"Your assessment for the grant is based on the previous year's income.".

"It is the same if a parent is off sick or retired. The criteria is based on the parents income the previous year."

A spokesperson for SUSI said; "An applicant can request an assessment or reassessment of their application under change in circumstances where a party to their application, for example a parent,has been laid off from Tara Mines. The income reference period for applications assessed under change in circumstances is 2023 instead of 2022.

"Applicants can request a reassessment of their application under change in circumstances by contacting support@susi.ie"

The income assessment is based on the previous year. For example, applications made for the current academic year 2023/24, are assessed on gross income from all sources for the period 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2022. However if an applicant or a party to their application (for example a parent) experiences a change in circumstances from 1st January 2023, they may apply for their application to be assessed/reassessed under change in circumstances.