James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delay in issuing payment of a student maintenance grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47874/12]

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.

I understand from officials in County Longford VEC, the relevant grant awarding authority, that the student referred to by the deputy was issued with a decision on the 29/08/2012 advising her that she was ineligible in relation to her grant application for 2012/13 academic year.

If the applicant is unhappy with the decision in relation to her grant application 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.