Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Some 40% of the documents received from students are incomplete. They cannot be processed if they are not complete. The Deputy understands that as well as everybody else. This has gone on for 25 years. Previously 66 processing authorities dealt with applications for third level assistance but now there is one. I recognise there are teething problems and agree they are not acceptable. The Minister for Education and Skills wrote on two occasions to all the third level institutions to ask them to ensure students are not prevented from sitting examinations, are allowed full access to libraries and other facilities and are not discriminated against because of delays that are not their fault although, as I noted, 40% of returned documents are incomplete. The Minister has already outlined the position on registration fees and the road ahead in that regard.

Some 40 extra staff will be in place at the student universal support Ireland scheme. A further ten are starting on Monday and 20 additional staff have been appointed by Abtran to process the applications in an outsourced way. I hope that makes a big difference. The college authorities can confirm that individual students will not be discriminated against in regard to libraries and other facilities or in sitting their examinations while their applications are being processed.

When this system is running smoothly - please God we will see an enormous difference next year------

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