Student Universal Support Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2020

Thursday, 19 November 2020

Questions (276)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

276. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of SUSI applications for the 2020-2021 academic year which have not yet been subject to a decision by SUSI; the measures that have been put in place to address the increased volume of applications relating to applicants’ financial change in circumstances as a result of Covid-19; if he plans to ensure that additional staff are recruited to the SUSI grants section to process applications and address backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37574/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

SUSI opened on 23rd April 2020 for applications for the 2020/21 academic year.

Of the 100,231 applications received 94,431 (94%) have been completed.

SUSI has awarded 75,945 applications to date, with a further 18,486 applications refused/cancelled.

As of 16th November 2020, of the remaining 5,800 applications

- 3,861 are with students and  SUSI is waiting for documentation to be submitted;

- 1,607 are with SUSI for assessment; and

- 332 are appealed to SUSI.

SUSI has achieved and exceeded all MFA Targets in advance of the agreed dated and have sufficient staff to complete the remaining applications outlined above.

Please see in the attached 2020/21 MFA Targets at 16th November 2020 for reference.

MFA Targets