Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2013
321. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason students who have completed first year in third level education have not yet received decisions regarding their grant applications; the steps he is taking to rectify this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31748/13]
View answerI understand from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that there are a small number of applications awaiting a decision, and the turnaround time on receipt of outstanding documentation is two to three working days. There are a number of appeals in the system also which are being prioritised. Many of the recommendations in the Accenture report on the review of SUSI's system have already been implemented.
In preparation for the 2013/2014 Academic year both the online application system and the application assessment process have been further developed to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency and respond to experiences from year 1. The staff resources recommended by the Review have already been sanctioned. These developments will help to ensure that qualifying students have their applications assessed as quickly as possible.
