Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will alter the residency requirement which often precludes applicants from availing of the higher education grant schemes run by vocational education committees in view of the fact that they cannot prove their address for the preceding years; his views on whether many people, particularly students, are unaware of their legal obligation to register with the Private Residential Tenancies Board or ensure they are named on relevant utility bills if they sub-let an apartment and hence block their grant application in subsequent years; his further views on whether a sworn affidavit in such instances would be an acceptable solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26676/09]

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.

Independent mature students are assessed without reference to their parents income. The assessment as an independent mature student has to be carefully considered to ensure it is targeted at very specific circumstances where mature students can demonstrate that they have been genuinely living independently of their parents for a period of time. I have no plans at present to alter the residency requirements for independent mature status.

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 1st October of the year preceding entry to college. Awarding authorities are obliged to satisfy themselves beyond doubt that an acceptable degree of proof has been submitted by the grant applicant. An affidavit in isolation cannot be accepted as sole proof of residency.