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Student Grant Scheme Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2013

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Questions (239)

Michael Lowry

Question:

239. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of applicants to Student Universal Support Ireland were incorrectly informed that they were eligible for grant aid, only to be later informed that they were in fact ineligible or entitled only to a lower amount; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many of these were subsequently forced to drop out of college; his views on whether this is fair; if he will offer some redress for these persons who relied on the incorrect information to their detriment; if he will confirm the number of applicants nationally and in County Tipperary who received such letters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14804/13]

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Written answers

The Deputy will appreciate that in the context of Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) having received in excess of 69,000 applications that some errors may inevitably arise when handling a high volume of applications within a relatively short timeframe. While every effort is made by SUSI to ensure that applicants are processed correctly, SUSI accepts that, following its quality assurance procedures, it emerged that a number of applicants received an incorrect letter and it regrets any inconvenience caused. The current SUSI process management reporting system does not record statistics specific to revised decisions.

An external review of SUSI's business processes is, however, currently being undertaken to inform improvements in the system for the 2013/14 academic year. The proposed timeline for completion of the review is later this month. Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise, due to their financial circumstances, be unable to continue their third level studies. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. The Access Officers themselves will also continue to provide support and advice to students to enable them to continue with their studies.

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