The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the relevant local authority or Vocational Education Committee. The student referred to by the Deputy should seek information or clarification directly from the relevant assessing authority. 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 required.
Students are categorised according to their circumstances either as independent mature students, mature students residing with their parents or guardians, or as students other than mature students. In accordance with the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Act 1992, a mature student is defined as a candidate who is at least 23 years of age on the 1st January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course. Where the applicant is not an independent mature student, the reckonable income to be determined for the purposes of the award of the maintenance grant is income from all sources of the candidate and his/her parents or guardians where applicable.