Vol. 508 No. 1
824 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties a person (details supplied) in County Sligo is encountering with financial assistance for his college course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17545/99]
My officials have contacted both County Sligo VEC and Sligo County Council and I understand that no application has been received to date by either body from the student in question. I would suggest that the person concerned should make contact with Sligo VEC or Sligo County Council in order to complete an application form and have his eligibility assessed under the relevant scheme.
825 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties a person (details supplied) in County Sligo is encountering with financial assistance for her college course; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that in the absence of a grant she will be unable to take up her place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17546/99]
In order to qualify for a maintenance grant under the terms of the student support schemes, a candidate must fulfil conditions as to residence, age, academic attainments, means and nationality. The residency requirement is that the candidate's parents or, in the case of an independent mature candidate, the candidate must have been resident in the administrative area of the local authority from the preceding October. However, the local authority has discretion to waive this requirement in exceptional circumstances.
