Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 1

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

234 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are circumstances by which a person (details supplied) in County Sligo, who is unable to obtain evidence of parental income due to estrangement from parents but has had no social work needs which require contacting a health board, is eligible to receive a maintenance grant under the 2002 third level training scheme. [13459/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer applications to my Department except in exceptional cases. For example, where advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired.

My Department issued a written response to a query raised by City of Galway VEC, the relevant awarding body in this case, about the applicant referred to by the Deputy. The applicant's eligibility for grant assistance will be assessed with reference to the terms and conditions of funding, prescribed under the relevant third level maintenance grant scheme and the clarification received from my Department.

If an applicant considers that s/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, s/he may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC.

Where an applicant has an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, the local authority or VEC may, 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.