Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 December 2004
366 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a third level education grant applied for through the County Galway VEC has not been awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33310/04]
View answer367 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a third level education grant has not been approved by Galway VEC in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33311/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 366 and 367 together.
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 respect of either of the two cases 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 or 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.
