asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that payment of local authority grants to individuals is being delayed as a result of which they cannot register with the learning institution of their choice resulting in the loss of lectures; and the action, if any, he intends taking to resolve the problem.
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
28.
The administration of the higher education grants scheme has been statutorily entrusted to the local rating authorities and it is a matter for these authorities to ensure that payments in respect of grants awarded are made in the appropriate time. I become aware, however, of a particular situation which arose this year for eligible grant applicants in relation to payment of fees on registration following which I requested my Department to write to the local authorities suggesting a manner in which that situation could be resolved in respect of such applicants. I understand that this initiative was of benefit and assistance to the students, concerned and to the local authorities. I am also arranging for my Department to have discussions with the County and City Managers' Association. I also indicated in Dáil Éireann on Thursday 6 November 1986 that I am having the procedures for the awarded of grants reviewed with the purpose of ameliorating any difficulties that may exist in the operation of the grants scheme.