James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a third level grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32191/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Officials in my Department have confirmed that the student referred to by the Deputy has made an application to Longford County Council under the Student Grant Scheme. A letter issued from that body on 25th October 2011, seeking further documentation from the applicant. In the circumstances, it will be necessary for the student in question to contact his grant awarding authority to ascertain the position regarding his grant application.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has only been approved the half rate of third level maintenance grant. [32218/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. The eligibility of an applicant, or the level of the grant awarded, may be re-assessed by the awarding authority in the event of a change of circumstances in the academic year. The applicant should in the first instance contact the relevant awarding body and notify them of the change in circumstances. 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 residence, reckonable income, nationality and previous academic attainment, 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. Where a grant application is refused, the reason for the refusal is given by the grant awarding authority. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant awarding authority. Where the grant awarding authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department or the independent appeals board as appropriate by submitting an appeal form clearly outlining the grounds for the appeal.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when an application for the third level maintenance grant for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was received; the position regarding same; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32219/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The processing of student grants is carried out by local grant awarding authorities – VECs and local authorities. In the circumstances, it will be necessary for the student in question to contact his grant awarding authority to ascertain the position regarding his grant application.