Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 436: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he has proposals to try and help a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if, on compassionate grounds, he will sanction the third level grant retrospectively, due to the delays in this case. [19838/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the 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 required. I understand that the candidate referred to by the Deputy is in receipt of a grant in respect of 2007/08 academic year but is requesting funding in respect of 2006/07 academic year. Retrospective awards are not generally paid after the academic year has finished.

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