Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Bernard Allen

Question:

282 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason an application made for a third level grant by a person (details supplied) in County Cork to the County Cork VEC in September 2002 has still not been adjudicated upon; the reason the family received a letter dated 14 February 2003 telling them that they were over the limit when, in fact, the father of this person was unemployed; the reason the VEC is not accepting the evidence submitted supporting the father's situation; and when a decision will be made on the application. [11419/03]

The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or 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. It appears that no such advice or instruction has, to date, been sought in the case of the student referred to by the Deputy.

If an individual applicant considers that he or she has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, he or she may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his-her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department. However, it is not open to me or my Department to depart from the terms of the maintenance grants schemes in individual cases.

Top
Share