Michael Creed
Ceist:495 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to a special maintenance grant. [23026/01]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
My Department understands that the student, referred to by the Deputy, was assessed by Cork County Council for the purpose of the special rates of maintenance grant. He was, however, found to be ineligible, as reckonable income did not include income from one of the social welfare payments or designated programmes which must be held in order to establish eligibility for a special rate of maintenance grant.
The student's parent was in receipt of disability benefit; however, this is not an eligible payment under the terms governing the special rates of grant. My Department understands that the county council has not been advised of any change in circumstance in regard to the family income in this case. If the parent is now in receipt of an invalidity pension, which is a specified social welfare payment for purpose of determining eligibility for the special rate of maintenance grant, then the student should advise the county council of the change so that his application can be reassessed.
Michael Creed
Ceist:496 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction payment of a grant to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [23027/01]
I have asked my Department to inquire into the matter raised by the Deputy and advise me of the position as soon as possible. I will contact the Deputy further as soon as my Department has reported.