asked the Minister for Education why he refused to sanction the £200 per annum voted by the South Tipperary VEC to a student (name supplied) who was awarded a scholarship to Washington State University.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Student Grant.
29.
Mr. R. Burke
The proposal made in this case—a grant-in-aid for recoupment of a student's travelling expenses—was not in accordance with the provision of the Vocational Education Acts and accordingly could not be sanctioned.
Is the Minister aware that this decision was unanimous because of the circumstances of the parents of this student? He could not possibly have taken up this scholarship unless he got some aid towards the cost involved. It was a unanimous decision by all the members of the vocational education committee.
Mr. R. Burke
The unanimity involved does not necessarily mean that it should be sanctioned by me. In fact it would be outside the Vocational Education Acts to do so. I hope the Deputy will appreciate that.
I am sure the Minister is as well aware of the background of this case as I am. All political parties would not have agreed if it were not for the circumstances. Has the Minister looked into the circumstances of the family concerned?
Mr. R. Burke
Yes, indeed, but that does not change the statutory situation whereby I am not allowed to give sanction in the matter.