Student Grant Scheme Delays

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013

Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Ceisteanna (123)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

123. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown of third level students on a county basis who have had their maintenance grant application accepted by Student Universal Support Ireland but have still to receive payment; the number of students who have appealed the decision of SUSI and are awaiting the outcome of that decision and the numbers of students who are still waiting to have their appeal heard. [3084/13]

Freagraí ó Béal (9 píosaí cainte)

Deputy Ruairí Quinn

As requested by the Deputy, I am providing a breakdown, in tabular form, of the 2,622 third level students on a county basis who have been awarded a maintenance grant and are now due to be paid by Student Universal Support Ireland. Some 1,148 post-leaving certificate course students are also due to be paid. The majority of these students awaiting payment will be paid within the next two weeks, depending on their submission of bank account details.

As at 18 January 2013, Student Universal Support Ireland has received some 4,042 appeals. Of these, decisions have been made in 2,665 cases and have yet to be made in the remaining 1,377. I understand staff have been reassigned to the processing of appeals to ensure students receive decisions in a timely manner.

Higher Education Students Not Yet Paid as at 18 January 2013

County	Number of Students
Carlow	43
Cavan	39
Clare	79
Cork	279
Donegal	145
Dublin	460
Galway	201
Kerry	113
Kildare	93
Kilkenny	62
Laois	53
Leitrim	30
Limerick	106
Longford	22
Louth	81
Mayo	120
Meath	94
Monaghan	60
Offaly	54
Roscommon	52
Sligo	52
Tipperary	101
Waterford	72
Westmeath	61
Wexford	87
Wicklow	56
Outside of Ireland	7
Total	2622

Deputy Jonathan O'Brien

We will study the table when we get it. Obviously, given the nature of Question Time, we do not get that information in writing.

The Minister spoke in reply to the previous question of students being required to furnish supplementary documentation. The reality is very different from what the Minister is being told.

For instance, I know of an individual who was asked for her father's death certificate three times. She has sent it in a third time. The certificates are being lost.

I will outline an example of just how flawed the system is and I will provide the Minister with the details after this debate.

Deputy Ruairí Quinn

Please do.

Deputy Jonathan O'Brien

Two brothers applied on the same day for maintenance grants and payment of registration fees. One application was awarded, but the other was denied. When the brother whose application had been denied queried the decision on the grounds of living in the same house, having the same income and being subject to the same means test, he was told that he did not satisfy the means test. When it was pointed out that his brother had received a grant, Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, checked the system and explained that his brother had actually been refused. His brother has received the registration fees and is in receipt of the maintenance grant. According to SUSI's central system, though, his application was refused and no money was provided.

In one situation, people are being told that they are not entitled to payment, yet are in receipt of it. In another, people are entitled to payment, yet are awaiting it. The system is a disaster.

Deputy Ruairí Quinn

All I can say is that this is the first year of the system's roll-out. We have encountered problems and are trying to solve them. If the Deputy has specific cases, such as those he just cited, I would like to get the details from him to pursue the issue earnestly.

Deputy Jonathan O'Brien

I will provide the details of the case involving the two brothers in particular.

Deputy Ruairí Quinn

I thank the Deputy.

Deputy Jonathan O'Brien

The brother who has received payment fears that he will be chased for its return. It is distressing for him, given the fact that he obviously cannot afford to attend college.

I presume that there will be a review of SUSI's operation at some stage. Will the Minister provide the timeframe of such a review? The priority is to get through as many applications and payments as possible, but will the Minister indicate what type of review will be conducted? Would there be a role for the Oireachtas education committee or will the review be done by departmental and SUSI officials solely?

Deputy Ruairí Quinn

We are finalising the review's terms of reference and composition and how it will proceed. I want all of SUSI's attention to be devoted to processing outstanding applications before we get into a review of how adequately prepared SUSI was and whether it had accurately anticipated the scale of what needed to be done. Everyone, including SUSI, admits that there are operational problems. I will consider whether SUSI should make a comprehensive report to the Oireachtas education committee.