The decision on eligibility for third level and further education grants is a matter for the relevant Local Authority or VEC.
The awarding 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.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an individual applicant has an appeal turned down by the relevant local authority/VEC and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case an appeals form outlining the position may be submitted directly by the applicant to my Department.