Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 394: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a student's (details supplied) father's pension is being taken into account for their income when they are applying for a vocational education committee maintenance grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19108/12]

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. Reckonable income for student grants purposes is gross income from all sources whether it arises in the State or not. It includes income from pensions. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form and supporting documentation, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student should qualify for a grant. However, an applicant may appeal the decision of the grant awarding authority to its appeals officer. Where the appeals officer decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department or the independent Student Grants Appeals Board, as appropriate.