Written answers

Tuesday, 28 November 2006

Department of Education and Science

Higher Education Grants

10:00 am

Photo of John McGuinnessJohn McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 459: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the negative decision taken by the Vocational Educational Committee in Kilkenny relative to an application for a college grant in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, can be appeared on the basis of the exceptional circumstances of the applicant and their health problems; if the course being undertaken by the applicant cannot be seen as an extension of the previous course in view of the information technology content of the course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40408/06]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The decision on eligibility for third level or further education 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 referred to by the Deputy.

If the candidate referred to by the Deputy has any further information to add to the initial grant application it should be forwarded to Kilkenny VEC directly.

If an individual applicant considers that he/she has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, he/she may appeal to Kilkenny 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 case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, the 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 grant scheme regardless of the circumstances.

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