Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 560: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 was refused a grant for a postgraduate diploma; if it is accepted that they are progressing with their education by following a level nine diploma after completing a level eight diploma; if this case will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42377/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The decision on eligibility for student maintenance grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority, either the local authority or VEC, as appropriate. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department, except in exceptional circumstances. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of maintenance grant awarded is not the correct one, 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 schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department. As the case cited by the Deputy does not involve progression at postgraduate level, the student in question would not be eligible for grant assistance, under the terms of the Grants Scheme.