Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 567: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that as a result of the embargo on public service recruitment, only three staff members can be made available for the processing of higher education grant applications by County Wexford Vocational Educational Committee; the steps he proposes to take to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43040/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The process of assessing eligibility for third level or further education grants, and the organisation and management of student support scheme grants, are matters for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies seek to ensure that students get decisions on their grant applications and are paid as soon as possible.

Co. Wexford VEC has confirmed to my Department that, contrary to the Deputy's information, 3 members of staff are deployed on a full-time basis, as well as 0.5 of an officer for the peak period and two staff members during the late summer. In addition, a senior member of staff is involved in processing the grants in 2009.

The VEC has also confirmed to my Department that the biggest delaying factor in the processing of grants this year is that applicants have submitted incomplete application forms and have not provided the required supporting financial information. These incomplete applications require subsequent phone calls, e-mails and letters, frequently on more than one occasion, before they are fit for adjudication.

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 568: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been refused their application for a higher education grant; if he will ensure that their application will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43068/09]

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 her/his case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.

No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 569: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43076/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of the Third Level Student Support Schemes, a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously.

The objective of the student grant schemes is to assist as many students as possible in obtaining one award at each level including one undergraduate degree and to progress to postgraduate studies.

As the person referred to by the Deputy already hold a Level 6 award she is not eligible to receive further funding in respect of Level 6.

There are no plans at present to change the current arrangements. Any such proposal would have to be considered in the light of existing resources and other competing demands in the education sector.