Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2013
52. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the problems with payments of student grants has been fully resolved; if all students who have been approved for a student grant are now in receipt of payment; when the report of the inquiry into the student grant crisis will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11963/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand from Student Universal Support Ireland that they are up to date with processing all complete applications. The current position on processing of grants by SUSI, as at close of business on 3rd March is that 55,921 applications have been processed to completion. As part of the close out strategy for the 2012/13 academic year, SUSI is currently contacting applicants who have not completed their application by submitting the required documentation. SUSI is providing these with a final opportunity to submit the documentation so that applications for 2012/13 can be closed out. Support for students to complete their applications has been put in place.
The majority of the 2,070 students currently awaiting payment will be paid within the next two weeks depending on their submission of bank account details. An external review of SUSI's business processes is currently being undertaken to inform improvements in the system for the 2013/14 academic year. The proposed timeline for completion of the review is March 2013.
