Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will know, the SUSI scheme is demand led. I can set the criteria and I can improve the criteria, but ultimately it is a demand-led scheme. Money can only be drawn down from that scheme where applicants qualify for that scheme. As of 21 November, just a few days ago, SUSI had received almost 97,000 applications. Almost 94,000 of them have been assessed of which 74,600 have been assessed as eligible for support for this year. This is SUSI's tenth year in operation. I share the Deputy's view that the SUSI scheme needs an overhaul. I expect to receive the report of the SUSI review group probably by Christmas. That group contains student representatives, Department of Social Protection representatives, and representatives of the universities and institutions.

I notice the Deputy's reference to headlines. This is real money. Some 17,000 additional laptops were provided free of charge to students in higher education. There is extra badly needed funding for mental health services with a doubling of the student assistance fund now in place. It was €8 million when I took office and is over €17 million this year.

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