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Gnáthamharc

Higher Education Grants.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004

Tuesday, 2 November 2004

Ceisteanna (410)

John Perry

Ceist:

483 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if the higher education grant aid will be approved for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27304/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. 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 relevant scheme is desired. No such advice or instruction has, to date, been sought in the case of the student, referred to by the Deputy.

My Department understands from Sligo County Council, the body responsible for assessing the application in this instance, that further information has been requested from the student and that a decision on the application cannot be finalised until the requested information is submitted and processed. If an individual applicant considers that s/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she or he may appeal to the relevant local authority or VEC.

Where an individual applicant has had 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 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 issued from my Department. However, it is not open to me, or my Department, to depart from the terms of the maintenance grants schemes in individual cases.

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