Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a mechanism in place for a person who is above the income threshold for the higher education top up grant to have the application considered on hardship grounds; if there is any mechanism in place to appeal a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35759/12]

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.

It is not possible to allow grant aid where reckonable income exceeds the prescribed limits, regardless of individual circumstances.

If the applicant is unhappy with the decision in relation to his grant application he/she 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 appeals board, as appropriate.