Ceist:
1134 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the refusal of a VEC to approve a grant application by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [1313/02]
Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.
My Department understands that there are two courses offered at the Salesian College of Horticulture, Warrenstown, County Meath: (i) The certificate in horticulture. Students attending the college are eligible to apply for grant assistance from Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority, in respect of this course; and (ii) the diploma in horticulture. This course is an approved course under the terms of the third level maintenance grants scheme for trainees, 2001, which is administered by the vocational education committees, under the aegis of my Department. Students attending this course are eligible to apply to their relevant VEC for grant assistance under the terms of the scheme.
Decisions on applications under the third level maintenance grants scheme are taken by the vocational education committees, based on the terms of the scheme which issue from my Department. 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 scheme is desired. It appears that no such advice or instruction has, to date, been sought in the case of the student, 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 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.
It is not open to me, or my Department, to depart from the terms of the maintenance grants schemes in individual cases.