Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 November 2013
69. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of grants that Student Universal Support Ireland awarded in October 2012 and in October 2013; the number awarded to date in November 2013 and the corresponding figure for 2012; the number outstanding; the target date for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49910/13]
View answerI am informed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that it has awarded a total of some 40,000 students grants up to end October 2013. The total number of awards to end of the same period in 2012 was just under 8,000. The next SUSI update report is due at the end of November and it is estimated that by then some 50,000 applications will have been awarded compared to 14,000 for the same period in 2012. The remaining applications to be finalised comprise of late applications received after the SUSI priority dates for submitting both applications and the return of documents. In addition some applicants have been requested to provide additional information. A structured email campaign has been targeting these applicants to return their documents/information. SUSI has advised that the turnaround time from receipt of completed applications/requested information from these applicants is 4 weeks.
