Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2013
234. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a breakdown per county of the number of applications for Student Universal Support Ireland grants; the number that have been paid out; the number that are still awaiting a decision; the number of appeals; the number that have been awarded but are awaiting payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50477/13]
View answerI have been informed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that a breakdown of data is currently not available on a county by county basis. As at close of business on 24th November, 2013 for the 2013/14 academic year 68,073 new applications and 23,495 renewal application had been received by SUSI. Of these 31,931 new applications have been awarded or provisionally awarded and 20,017 renewal applications have been awarded. Some 2,905 applications are with SUSI for processing. 25,594 new applicants and 19,190 renewals have been paid maintenance or have been awarded a "fees only" grant. Payments to students awarded a "fees only" grant (either the student contribution or fees) are made directly to the relevant institution on receipt of an appropriate invoice from the institute. The total number of appeals received by SUSI to date is 3,976. SUSI is awaiting supporting documentation from 16,413 new applicants and 701 renewal applicants. The remaining students with outstanding documentation are being requested to return their documentation as soon as possible so that assessment of their applications can be completed.
