Vol. 473 No. 3
150 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal, who was approved for a grant, is now being asked to repay the grant in view of the fact that his circumstances have not changed and that he will possibly have to leave college if his grant is reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25186/96]
Under the terms of the higher education grants scheme maintenance grants are payable at either adjacent or non-adjacent rates. The local authority decides the rate applicable in each particular 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. I also understand from Donegal County Council that the non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant was inadvertently paid in this case. The question of recoupment of the overpayment is a matter to be resolved between the local authority and the grant holder.
