asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware (1) that the Offaly County Council cancelled a university scholarship awarded to Mr. Thomas Doyle, Patrick Street, Portarlington, after his parents had been involved in expense in starting him at the university, and (2) that the boy in question has been in continuous residence in Offaly with his guardian and qualified for the scholarship both on residence and means; and, if so, whether he will take steps to ensure that the scholarship will be paid as awarded.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly University Scholarship.
Mr. O'Higgins
I understand that the Offaly County Council notified Mr. Doyle on the 23rd September, 1950, that it was proposed to award him a university scholarship, that he registered in University College, Dublin, on the 9th October and that the council informed him on the 11th October, that he was not qualified and that the proposal to award him a scholarship would not be proceeded with further. The award of a university scholarship is a matter for the elected members of county councils. I understand that at a meeting held on the 26th June last the Offaly County Council considered representations made to them on behalf of Mr. Doyle and that they decided, on the advice of their legal adviser, to take no further action in regard to the application of Mr. Doyle for a scholarship. I have no function of deciding on questions of qualification for such scholarships and I have no power to proceed in the manner suggested in the final part of the Deputy's question.
Mr. O'Higgins
Is the Minister aware that the cancellation of this student's scholarship took place after his parents, who are poor people, had been involved in the expense of finding him lodgings and entering him as a student of the university? Is he further aware that every member except one of Offaly County Council sent a petition to the county manager to have the scholarship restored and in these circumstances would he have the matter investigated to see whether an injustice is being done?
Even if I were aware of all the facts to which the Deputy has drawn my attention, since I have no responsibility and no power to intervene in the manner requested, what purpose would there be in my going into the matter further?
Mr. O'Higgins
Is the Minister aware that the County Manager of Offaly informed this boy's parents that the restoration of the scholarship depended on the Minister's sanction?
I am sure that I cannot be held responsible for all the sayings, undertakings and interpretations of county managers.
Mr. O'Higgins
No, but I would ask the Minister to investigate the matter.