John Kelly (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I support my colleague, Senator Jim D'Arcy, with regard to the delays in processing third level grants. I can only describe it as scandalous that, at this stage, between 25% and 28% of the grants have been approved. What is annoying is that Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, is blaming the applicants, suggesting they did not dot the i's and cross the t's. As a result, SUSI kicks the can down the road and sends the applications to an appeals process when applicants do the smallest thing wrong. The appeals process works on the basis that the file will be parked for one month before someone looks at it. That is wrong and we seem to have learned nothing about centralising anything. We should have learned from the centralisation of medical card applications at the primary care reimbursement service, PCRS, that it does not work. We have proved that centralising third level grants does not work. I agree with Senator Jim D'Arcy that students are being deprived of services in colleges. Some of them are considering leaving college because the grants have not been approved. This morning I listened to the representative of SUSI clapping herself on the back and saying SUSI is doing a great job, with only 28% of students having received approval for grants as we approach Christmas. The Minister for Education and Skills needs to step in and set a deadline for when all grants will be approved. I ask the Leader to progress that matter.