James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason persons (details supplied) in County Longford have not been awarded the maximum higher education grant for the academic year 2008-09 in respect of their son which they received in 2007-08, despite no change of circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13656/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The decision on eligibility for student 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. 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, 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 assessing authority, 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.