Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 October 2009
383 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that his Department will review an application for a third level grant by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath, who wishes to pursue a masters degree in environmental systems; the steps which will be taken to ensure that same is awarded the grant, to enable them to continue their studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34873/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the 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 required.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the assessing authority, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department. No appeal has been submitted to date in this case.
