Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 447 of 24 February 2009, if an applicant for a maintenance grant can use a sworn affidavit to certify their proof of address; if not, the reason these legal documents are not accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9117/09]

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.

In order to establish the candidate's status as an independent mature student, documentary evidence is required as proof of a candidate's ordinary-permanent address from 1 October of the year preceding entry to college. Examples of the type of documentary evidence which would establish residence are as follows: (i) utility bills, such as a telephone, gas or ESB bill; (ii) evidence of registration with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB); (iii) official documentation from any Government Department e.g. The Department of Social and Family Affairs or the Revenue Commissioners (if any). These documents must cover the period outlined. An affidavit in isolation cannot be accepted as sole proof of residency.

The awarding authorities are obliged to satisfy themselves beyond doubt that an acceptable degree of proof is submitted by the grant applicant in establishing eligibility under all aspects of the schemes. This requires the candidate to supply appropriate evidence verifying his status. 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.