Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I am glad that this Bill has been passed and it will make a massive difference to the thousands of students whose applications will be processed more effectively. It will do away with the unacceptable delays in some local authorities or VECs where staff issues arise and where there is not the manpower to do the work in the manner that they would wish it to be done.

The Union of Students in Ireland has also been very helpful in providing us with arguments and ideas to improve the legislation.

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