Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2004
203 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a higher education maintenance grant is payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5177/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraEligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. They 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. To date no such advice or instruction has been sought in the case. Applicants that believe they were unjustly refused a maintenance grant or it was insufficient may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC.
When an applicant's appeal is turned down, in writing, 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, a local authority or VEC may, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department. Unfortunately, neither me nor my Department can depart from the terms of the maintenance grant schemes in individual cases. To date no grant application has been received by either Kildare County Council or County Kildare VEC in this case.
