Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge what has been said and agree with Senators Wilson and Walsh regarding the welcome statement from the Minister for Education and Skills last night. It must be followed by the Minister contacting all colleges and universities in the State and asking them not to put any pressure on any student, with regard to services in colleges or exams, until this fiasco is resolved. The second thing that must happen is additional staff being provided to SUSI. Some ten additional members of staff have been provided but it is not nearly sufficient. It is a step in the right direction. Everyone must learn from this. We have received e-mails saying information that could have been provided earlier, if the student had known, which shows the SUSI system is not working effectively or efficiently in comparison to the local authority or VEC system. While there were questioned over the latter, it was more effective and efficient than the current system. With only 3,000 students in receipt of grants, it is wholly unacceptable, particularly in light of how banks are dealing with students. No overdrafts or loans are available to students and many students are considering leaving college. That is a sad reflection on what has happened. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Skills to the House to discuss the matter because we should all have the opportunity to make an input.