John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the full grant will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [22038/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The decision on eligibility for a grant is a matter for a student's local grant awarding body – the relevant local authority or VEC. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form, including those relating to distance from home to college, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant or what level of grant would be appropriate. However, for the 2011/12 academic year, the qualifying distance criterion for the non-adjacent rate of student grant is 45kms. The Deputy will be aware that this change was introduced by his Government under Budget 2011.

Students qualifying for a grant and living 45kms or less from their college will receive the adjacent rate of grant and their fees or student contribution will be paid on their behalf. Students on particularly low incomes will receive a top-up in the special rate of grant and €5m continues to be available through the access offices of third level institutions for students in exceptional financial need.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the application for a higher education application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny which has been cut by two thirds due to the fact that this person lives less than 46 km from the college; and if he will reverse the decision due to the safety factor involved. [22039/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The measurement of the distances in question is a matter for grant awarding bodies. It is not possible, therefore, for me to say what the distance calculation or route for an individual student will or should be. However, the shortest most direct route to college is measured. If there is a dispute, this matter should be taken up with the grant awarding authority.