I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 231 together.
Officials in my Department have been advised by SUSI that an award letter issued to the applicant referred to by the Deputy on 1st May 2013. SUSI further advised that fees for this application will be paid on the 25th July. 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.
