Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the criteria for a top up grant; the reason a person from a disadvantaged background who had the top up grant during their degree and masters studies has been refused same for their PhD studies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26796/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The special rate of maintenance grant is available to students under each of my Department's four maintenance grant schemes. In order to qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant the following conditions must be satisfied: 1. An applicant must qualify for the standard maintenance grant; 2. The relevant income, in the prescribed tax year, must not exceed the lower income limit as set out in the appropriate maintenance grant scheme — net of Child Dependent Increase, where applicable. 3. As at the prescribed date — i.e. 31st December of the relevant tax year — the source of income must include one of the eligible long-term social welfare payments. Decisions in relation to eligibility for the special rates of maintenance grants are a matter for the local authority or VEC concerned. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular condition is desired.

If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused the special rate of maintenance grant, 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 relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the conditions correctly in his/her case, a letter outlining the position may be sent to my Department. Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department. Eligibility criteria for the Back to Education Allowance are determined by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.