John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 174: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that applicants for third level grants who apply as mature students can have difficulties in obtaining the proof required by the local authority as a result of shared accommodation, hence no utility bills and the lack of registration of tenants by the landlord; if she will consider alternative forms of confirmation such as sworn affidavits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35747/10]

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

My Department has reviewed the requirements for establishing independent residency and is satisfied that the current practice in this regard is both reasonable and appropriate. In this regard, the documentary evidence normally required by a local authority or VEC to establish independent residence for mature students includes utility bills, such as telephone, gas or electricity bill, evidence of registration with the Private Residential Tenancies Board or official documentation received at the address, for example, from a Government Department.

In exceptional circumstances, where it is not possible to produce such proofs of residence in the relevant period for demonstrable reasons, the awarding authority may, at its discretion, agree to accept other documentary evidence that provides an acceptable degree of proof of independent living in the relevant period. For example, while an affidavit, if accompanied by other supporting documentation, may be considered as evidence of independent living, an affidavit in isolation is not considered acceptable as sole proof of residency. Individual circumstances should be discussed by an applicant with his/her grant awarding authority.

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 175: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the grants that are available for a person in receipt of jobseeker's allowance payment and attending a part-time level seven course at night to ensure availability for work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35751/10]

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

The Higher Education Grants Schemes operate under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992.

Under the Higher Education Grants Scheme an approved course is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of at least two years duration or a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year duration pursued in an approved institution.

There are no plans at present to extend the scope of the student grant schemes to part-time courses.