Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the method by which the distance from a person's normal residence to an approved institution is measured for the purposes of determining whether an applicant is eligible for an adjacent or non-adjacent grant under the student grant scheme 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16754/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The measurement of the distances for student grant purposes is a matter for grant awarding bodies - the relevant local authority or VEC.

There has been no change as to how these distances are measured. As in the past for all cases, the shortest most direct route to the institution attended is measured. I understand that a range of mechanisms can be used, for example, online mapping such as AA Route Planner and Google Maps.

If the distance is disputed, the matter should be taken up with the grant awarding body concerned. In some cases, it may be necessary to carry out a physical measurement.