Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 5

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Mary Coughlan

Question:

321 Ms Coughlan asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used by him to refuse a non-adjacent third level grant to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; if this could be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14116/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I understand that the student referred to by the Deputy was awarded the adjacent rate of maintenance grant by County Donegal VEC under the terms of the 1999 European Social Fund-aided third level courses maintenance grants scheme for trainees to pursue a course of study during the 1999-2000 academic year.

Under the terms of the ESF-aided third level courses maintenance grants scheme for trainees, maintenance grants are payable at either adjacent or non-adjacent rates. The vocational education committee decides the rate applicable in each particular case. Except in the case of mature students, the adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable where the grant-holder's normal residence is 15 miles or less from the college being attended.

In this particular case, the distance from the student's normal residence to the college in question was confirmed to be under 15 miles and accordingly, he was correctly awarded the adjacent rate of grant.