3 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied), who is not in a financial position to fund college education has not been granted a third level maintenance grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3973/11]

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant grant awarding authority i.e. the applicant's local authority or VEC. Where a grant application is refused, the reason for the refusal is given by the grant awarding authority. An applicant may appeal the decision to the relevant local authority or VEC. Where the grant awarding authority decides to reject the appeal, the applicant may appeal this decision to my Department by submitting an appeal form outlining clearly the grounds for the appeal. No appeal has been received by my Department to date from the candidate referred to by the Deputy.