asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that Meath County Council are refusing to pay higher education grants to the offspring of families where the parents have not paid service charges to the county council; if there is provision for such practice within the higher education grant scheme; if it is consistent with the rights of young people, who have reached the age of majority, to receive higher education grants without reference to factors such as the non-payment of service charges by their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants Scheme.
22.
The administration of the higher education grants scheme is statutorily entrusted to local authorities.
My Department understands from Meath County Council that instalments of higher education grants are being withheld from certain applicants whose families are indebted to the council and who have made no effort whatsoever to discharge their obligations.
My Department are anxious to secure a satisfactory resolution of the problem which recognises both the difficulties of the students in question and the legitimate concern of the local authority to ensure that legally due debts are paid.