New independent Student Appeals Board will ensure more confidence in process- Tuffy
Issued : Wednesday 21 September, 2011
Labour Party TD for Dublin Mid West, Joanna Tuffy has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn that a Student Grants Appeals Board has been established. The Appeals Board which was established under the Student Support Act 2011 will perform all its functions independently.
"This independent Board will assess the appeals made by students who applied for a grant under the 2011/12 student grant scheme and I wholeheartedly welcome the fact that the board will be an independent body, as this will ensure more confidence in the appeals process. Not only this, but it also demonstrates the Labour Party's continuing commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in all matters.
"My colleague Minister Quinn has also announced appointments to the Board, which will comprise of a Chairperson and six ordinary members who were all appointed in their individual capacity based on their knowledge and expertise. It is also very welcome that one of the members of the Board will be a representative from the Union of Students of Ireland.
"The establishment of this Board will ensure not only that the appeals process for students is easier, but also that the distribution of grants is done in an equitable fashion and I commend the Minister on its establishment."
