Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 521: To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 519 of 23 June 2009, the documents which will provide evidence of independent residency for a student who is endeavouring to qualify for a grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26245/09]

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

Independent mature candidates must provide documentary evidence as proof of their ordinary/permanent address from the 1st October of the year preceding entry to college. Examples of the type of documentary evidence normally required to 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 a Government Department e.g. the Department of Social and Family Affairs or the Revenue Commissioners.

In exceptional circumstances, where it is not possible to produce the above proofs of residence in the relevant period for demonstrable reasons, the awarding authority may, at its discretion, agree to accept other documentary proofs. Any such documentary evidence must, of course, cover the relevant period prior to the student commencing his/her course of study.

Awarding authorities are obliged to satisfy themselves beyond doubt that an acceptable degree of proof has been submitted by the grant applicant in establishing eligibility under all aspects of the schemes including independent residency.