James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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261. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will revisit the qualifying criteria introduced in Budget 2011 for higher education grant scheme, under which the measurement is based on an as the crow flies principle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2954/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The measurement of the distances relating to the award of adjacent or non-adjacent rates of student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. The distance measurement for student grant rates is governed by Article 27(3)(a) and (b) of the Student Grant Scheme 2012. This provides that the relevant distance will be measured in line with agreed guidelines. The guidelines require that the shortest most direct route between the applicant's normal residence and the institution being attended should apply and that, in determining the shortest most direct route, the relevant awarding authority shall establish:

- the method for measuring a route;

- the factors to be taken into account in establishing and measuring a route.

If the distance is disputed, the matter should be taken up by the student with the grant awarding body concerned. Alternatively, the decision may be appealed to the grant awarding body's appeals officer. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board.