Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2013
244. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures that have been put in place with regard to the improvements of the Student Universal Support Ireland system; if a guaranteed turnaround time for completed applications has been agreed; the measures that were put in place in 2012 and 2013 to ensure that staff are fully trained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26685/13]
View answer254. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the improvements that have been carried out in the Student Universal Support Ireland office to ensure that first year students do not experience the same delays experienced in 2012; the guarantees he will provide that students will not go the entire college year without payment as has been the case for many students in 2013; when he expects all payments to be made to students; if he will guarantee that information that is submitted will be kept on file and will not be sought on a number of occasions as has been the case for many students this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26839/13]
View answer295. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures to be taken by his Department in order to ensure a more efficient process in relation to the administration of the Student Universal Support Ireland student grant system; if he will ensure that the applications are processed as quickly as possible to avoid stress and financial hardship to students and parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27543/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 244, 254 and 295 together. While it is acknowledged that there were significant difficulties in the operation of the assessment processes last year, I am informed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that, in preparation for the 2013/2014 academic year, both the on-line application system and the application assessment process are being further developed to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency and respond to experiences from year one. For applicants applying through SUSI for the 2013/14 academic year, a number of new initiatives will make their application more efficient this year. The initiatives include direct information sharing between SUSI and Government bodies and agencies including the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Social Protection, the General Register Office (GRO) and the Central Applications Office (CAO). These links should reduce significantly the number of documents required from applicants themselves. In addition the staff resources recommended by the review have already been sanctioned. The resources include three additional management posts and some 23 (whole time equivalent) additional processing staff. This will help to ensure that qualifying students have their applications assessed as quickly as possible. SUSI has also significantly developed its training programme to meet the training needs of new and existing staff. In addition, the closing date will be a month earlier to facilitate earlier application and decision on a grant application. SUSI is working closely with all third level institutions to improve the payment process for the 2013/14 academic year.
