John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 593: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a maximum grant from Carlow Vocational Educational Committee will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [32548/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to the Department of Education and Science 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 in question. If an individual applicant considers that she has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she may appeal to the relevant VEC. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to the Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from the Department. However, it is not open to me, or the Department, to depart from the terms of the maintenance grants schemes in individual cases.

Apart from the funding provided through the student support maintenance grant schemes, financial assistance is also available from the Department of Education and Science through the student assistance fund. The objective of the fund is to assist students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. Further information on this fund is available from the student access officer at the college being attended.