Written answers

Tuesday, 5 February 2008

Department of Education and Science

Higher Education Grants

9:00 pm

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 504: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford was refused a mature student grant by County Dublin VEC; if this decision can be appealed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3082/08]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Under the prescribed terms and conditions of my Department's student maintenance grant schemes grant assistance may not be awarded in respect of a repeat period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not funding was previously awarded. The awarding body may, however, waive this provision in exceptional circumstances such as certified serious illness. In such instances decisions are made by the assessing authority on a case by case basis. It should be emphasised, however, that this discretion would only be exercised where a candidate is repeating a period of study on the same course.

My Department understands, from the information provided by the Deputy that the candidate has already pursued an undergraduate course, which he did not complete and is now pursuing a different course at undergraduate level. It would appear that the decision made by the deciding body is in line with the provisions of the grant schemes.

The decision on eligibility for repeat year funding is a matter for the relevant assessing authority. The assessing authorities 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.

If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant assessing authority. Where an individual applicant has an appeal turned down by the relevant assessing authority, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an official appeal form (available from the assessing authority) outlining the position may be submitted by the candidate to the Higher Education: Equity of Access unit in my Department.

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