John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason a grant approved by Kilkenny Vocational Educational Committee for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny that was notified to them in writing is not being awarded; if the circumstances of the case will be investigated and the full grant awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28534/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that the candidate has been informed by County Kilkenny VEC that she qualifies for the full non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant under the provisions of the post-leaving certificate scheme 2005 in the amount of €3,020. In accordance with the prescribed terms of the post-leaving certificate scheme the grantholder's maintenance grant is paid in monthly instalments in arrears during the school year. Payment shall be made, subject to satisfactory participation and attendance on the post-leaving certificate course. Payment for September attendance will be made in October.

In regard to the operation of the third level grants schemes in general, 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. It appears that no such advice or instruction has, to date, been sought in the case of the student, to whom the Deputy refers. If an individual applicant considers that she or 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, the local authority or VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues 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.