Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if tax clearance certificates are an acceptable proof in relation to proving somebody was residing here for three of the past five years in relation to third level grants. [12094/12]

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 - local authority or VEC. Under the residency requirement of the Student Grant Scheme 2011, an applicant must have been legally resident in Ireland for at least 3 of the 5 years immediately prior to commencing an approved course in an approved institution.

As non-residents may also apply to the Revenue Commissioners for a tax clearance certificate, this document does not necessarily of itself prove residency in the State. However, it may be considered by the relevant grant awarding authority in conjunction with other acceptable supporting documentation to demonstrate residency, including utility bills, social welfare statements or evidence of registration with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) and other documents as outlined in Schedule 5 of the Student Grant Scheme 2011.