Liam Aylward
Ceist:574 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if a higher education grant will be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [9830/99]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
I understand the student in question has applied to Carlow County Council, for a higher education grant in respect of her attendance at a post-graduate course in Colaiste Mhuire Marino. She has applied on the basis of being an independent mature student.
Under the terms of the higher education grants schemes, mature students are categorised as either independent mature students or mature students dependent on parents. An independent mature student is defined to mean a mature student who was not ordinarily resident at home with his or her parents from the October preceding their entry to an approved course. Independent mature students are deemed to be self-supporting and are assessed without reference to either their parents' income or address.
I understand Carlow County Council is awaiting further information from the student in question in relation to her residence, in order to assess her entitlement under the higher education grant scheme.