Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 477: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will review a decision to refuse a grant in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5571/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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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. My Department has received no appeal from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.