Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 153: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if clarification could be given to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary in relation to a refusal of a higher education grant by the Vocational Education Committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35686/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant grant awarding authority, i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where an awarding authority rejects an appeal, the student may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form clearly outlining the grounds for the appeal. Unless and until, an applicant makes an appeal to my Department, it would not be aware of the grounds for a refusal, however, the grant awarding authority provides this information to an applicant when issuing him/her with the outcome of his/her grant application. The applicant in question has not made an appeal to my Department. The Deputy will appreciate that, given my Department's role in the appeals procedure, direct liaison with the grant awarding authority on the details of an individual case would not be appropriate.