Vol. 524 No. 3
209 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the decision to refuse sanction for a higher education grant to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11, having regard to her exceptional circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22573/00]
The statutory framework for the maintenance grants scheme, as set out in the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992, provides for means-tested higher education grants in order to assist students to attend full-time third level education.
Under the terms of the grants scheme, maintenance grants are not payable to candidates who already hold an undergraduate degree and are pursuing a second undergraduate degree, irrespective of whether or not the student was in receipt of a grant in respect of the first course of study. The person referred to by the Deputy already holds an undergraduate degree and, accordingly, she is ineligible for a higher education grant in respect of further studies at undergraduate level.
I understand that the relevant terms of the scheme, as set out above, were explained to the person in question in a letter which issued to her on 21 July 2000, which she acknowledged receiving.
Notwithstanding the information provided to her, the person in question applied for, and was awarded a higher education maintenance grant, in error, by Dublin Corporation. Subsequently, when the error came to attention, Dublin Corporation informed the person, correctly, that she was ineligible for a grant under the terms of the scheme.
