Vol. 482 No. 3
406 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to establish a central grants office to process all higher education grant applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17994/97]
As part of my ongoing review of the higher education grants scheme, I am considering the administration of the scheme which was identified as being fragmented, cumbersome and very confusing for grant applicants, in the report of the advisory committee on third level student support, chaired by Dr. Donal de Buitléir, which was published in February, 1995.
The advisory committee identified overlaps and duplication with up to 70 different organisations involved in the administration of the grant schemes. It also found that payments were too frequently delayed and that students were often disadvantaged by various administrative problems in the system.
It is clear that the current administration of the student support schemes must be improved.
Apart from reservations about the need for a new body I have an open mind as to what the best and most appropriate options are for a new centralised system. A joint working group involving officials from my Department and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs has begun an examination of various options and the possible role of that Department in any new system. I expect to have a report and recommendations in the matter towards the end of this year.
