Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The decision on eligibility for grant assistance under the student grant scheme is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority, i.e. local authority or Vocational Education Committee.

The closing date for receipt of completed grant applications including all required supporting documentation for the 2011/12 academic year was the 31st August, 2011. It is a matter for each grant awarding authority to determine, at its own absolute discretion, whether or not to accept a late application or outstanding documentation submitted after the closing date.

As this is a matter between the candidate and the grant awarding authority concerned, any queries in relation to the candidate's grant application, correspondence issued to the candidate or outstanding documentation should be directed to the VEC.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will expedite an appeal in the case of a student grant application (details supplied) ion County Kildare; if he will consider the issues raised in correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16993/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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A student may appeal the decision of the grant awarding authority's appeals officer to my Department or the Student Grants Appeals Board, as appropriate.

Appeals on grant applications made under the Student Grant Scheme 2011 and subsequent schemes are appropriate to the Appeals Board. This is provided for under the Student Support Act 2011. Appeals on applications under all previous schemes are appropriate to my Department.

As the appeal from the student referred to by the Deputy related to a grant application made under a previous scheme, it was considered by my Department rather than the Appeals Board. A response has recently issued from my Department to the student.