4066. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to consider introducing a SUSI ‘hardship’ or ‘exceptional circumstances’ assessment for families who fall outside the standard grant thresholds but can demonstrate that their disposable income, after essential household and educational costs, is insufficient to support a student through higher education; the consideration that has been given to such a mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61529/26]