Student Grant Scheme Reform

Thursday, 29 May 2014

Questions (31)

Denis Naughten

Question:

31. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to review the operation of the higher education grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23281/14]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Following a challenging first year of operation in 2012, SUSI improved its performance in 2013. An external review of SUSI's business processes was undertaken by Accenture in early 2013 to inform improvements in the system for the 2013/14 academic year. Many of the recommendations by the review have now been implemented. SUSI made significant improvements to its systems and procedures to streamline the grant application, processing and payment processes in 2013/14. Key among these changes were the information-sharing arrangements implemented with Government Departments and agencies to reduce the amount of documentation sought from applicants. Also, additional staff and management resources were approved for SUSI.

CDETB is focusing on continual improvement of service delivery, particularly in relation to processes and systems in operation. In this regard, SUSI is currently developing a programme of ongoing improvements to provide enhanced services to grant applicants for the coming academic year.