Vol. 472 No. 1
211 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who has been refused a grant on the basis of distance from a college, while according to the applicant there are many official sources which will verify the actual qualifying distance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22598/96]
Under the terms of the 1996 higher education grants scheme maintenance grants are payable at either adjacent or non-adjacent rates. The local authority decides the rate applicable in each case. The adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable where the grant-holder's normal residence is 15 miles or less from the college which he or she is attending. The non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable in all other cases.
I understand from Donegal County Council, the body statutorily entrusted with the administration of the higher education grants scheme, that the student in question resides within 15 miles of the college. Therefore, the adjacent rate of maintenance is applicable in this case.
