Quinn seeks legal advice over council grant letters

The Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn says he will seek legal advice on whether or not county councils can ask for proof of payment of the household charge before processing student grant applications.

Yesterday it emerged that Clare County Council has written to applicants seeking proof that their family has paid the charge.

The move has come under fire from the Union of Students in Ireland as well as the opposition.

Yesterday Quinn described it as "reasonable".

However, speaking at the Oireachtas Committee on Education this morning, he said he will get legal advice from the Attorney General on the matter.

“Yes, the matter arose to my attention yesterday morning and I will be getting legal advice in relation to it. I’m not even sure what the practice is.

“Since it has been brought to our attention, we will be inquiring about that.”