Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 March 2013
127. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of Departments and agencies which Student Universal Support Ireland have reached agreement with in relation to the direct provision of supporting information and documentation to SUSI on behalf of grant applicants for 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15610/13]
View answer128. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has had any face to face meetings with Student Universal Support Ireland since Christmas to discuss SUSI plans to obtain supporting documentation for 2013 directly from certain Government agencies and Departments; if he has asked for a report on the additional staff requirements necessary at each relevant Department and agency to ensure the required information is provided on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15611/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
In accordance with normal protocol, it is the function of my officials to conduct business with the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Dublin VEC in relation to the operation of Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) and to report to me as appropriate. A project team comprising Department officials, the Chief Executive Officer of CD-VEC and other senior SUSI staff oversees the implementation and development of the operation. This group meets on a weekly basis.
In that context my officials have been informed by SUSI that they have agreements, with the Revenue Commissioners and the CAO in relation to the direct provision of supporting information and documentation. Discussions are taking place with a number of other relevant State bodies with a view to putting similar arrangements in place. It is understood that the nature of the data exchange is IT based.
