Gerard Murphy
Question:89 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [5098/03]
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or vocational education committee. These bodies do not refer to individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired. It appears that no such advice or instruction has, to date, been sought in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy.
If an individual applicant considers that he or she has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, s/he may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by a local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his-her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department.
It is not open to me or my Department to depart from the terms of the maintenance grants schemes in individual cases.