Finian McGrath
Ceist:409. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will support a matter (details supplied). [38113/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 September 2012
Ceisteanna (409)
Freagraí scríofa
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application in relation to means, residency, nationality and previous academic attainment, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant.
If any of the persons whose income is under consideration received a gift or an inheritance in the reference period, these are included in reckonable income, unless in the case of an independent student, the gift or inheritance was between the applicant and his or her spouse, civil partner or cohabitant; or in the case of a dependent student, the gift or inheritance was between parents or to the applicant from his or her parent(s). The students referred to by the Deputy should each complete a Gifts and Inheritance Form (available from their grant awarding authorities) unless the gift or inheritance is covered by one of the exceptions outlined above. Decisions on eligibility for students renewing an existing grant are a matter for their existing awarding authorities.