Vol. 558 No. 4
260 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the decision to refuse the post-leaving certificate maintenance grant to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24552/02]
The decision on eligibility for maintenance grants in respect of attendance at PLC courses is a matter for the relevant VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired. To date it appears that no such advice or instruction has been sought in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy.
If an applicant considers that she or he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she or he may appeal to the relevant VEC.
Where an applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by the relevant VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his or her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the VEC may, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department.
It is not open to me or my Department to depart from the terms of the maintenance grants schemes in individual cases.
