Written answers

Tuesday, 20 April 2010

Department of Education and Science

Higher Education Grants

9:00 pm

Photo of John DeasyJohn Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 965: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the average processing time of applications for third level grants in each local authority area; the average number of weeks from receipt of applications to initial payment of grant in each local authority area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15796/10]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The process of assessing eligibility for third level or further education grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. The average waiting time for the processing of grant applications varies between the 66 awarding bodies depending on a number of variables including the volume of applications received, staffing resources and whether or not properly completed application forms have been received. This information is not available in the format requested by the Deputy.

Both VECs and local authorities are experiencing pressures due to the increased workload associated with the increased demand for student grants, particularly in the context of the recruitment moratorium in the public sector which, in some instances, will have impacted on the processing of grants. However, every effort is being made by these bodies to ensure that students get decisions on their grant applications and are paid as soon as possible.

Given the likelihood of further increases in the numbers of grant applications, my Department is working closely with local authorities, VECs and other relevant stakeholders to continue development of a number of initiatives to support more effective delivery of student grants, including service improvements in application, assessment and payments arrangements.

Work is currently being advanced on the development of a scaleable on-line applications facility in conjunction with a number of VECs and local authorities. Other measures include the introduction of a new, more simplified application form for 2010, earlier approval of the grant schemes, examination of the possible extension of the pilot electronic funds transfer (EFT) payments system introduced in 2009/2010 and the development of common annual renewal and re-assessment processes.

In addition, as part of the business process re-engineering exercise underway under the Transforming Public Services initiative, business process improvement techniques are being used to analyse ways in which the current assessment process can be handled more efficiently.

Photo of John DeasyJohn Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 966: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for third level grants awaiting decision in each local authority area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15797/10]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested by the Deputy is set out below and provides the number of new applications which are awaiting decisions as at 5th March 2010. This information has been supplied to my Department by the local authorities.

As at the 5th March 2010 there were 1,879 new applications awaiting decisions of which 1,865 had documentation outstanding and 14 had yet to be processed.

It is understood from the awarding authorities that the applications awaiting decisions are largely late applications.

Number of new applications awaiting decisions in each local authority area as at March 2010
Local AuthorityNumber of Applications awaiting DecisionsReason
Carlow17Documentation outstanding
Cavan48Documentation outstanding
Clare128Documentation outstanding
Cork City3Late applications & documentation outstanding
Cork Co560555 documentation outstanding & 5 processing yet to commence
Donegal69Documentation outstanding
Dublin City149Documentation outstanding
Dun Laoghaire9Documentation outstanding
Fingal Co Co54Documentation outstanding
Dublin South Co Co12Documentation outstanding
Galway Co319Documentation outstanding
Kerry20Documentation outstanding
Kildare13Documentation outstanding
Kilkenny19Documentation outstanding
Laois0
Leitrim12Documentation outstanding
Limerick City34Documentation outstanding
Limerick Co3Documentation outstanding
Longford23Documentation outstanding
Louth89Documentation outstanding
Mayo2Documentation outstanding
Meath22Documentation outstanding
Monaghan11Documentation outstanding
Offaly8Processing yet to commence
Roscommon15Documentation outstanding
Sligo32Documentation outstanding
Tipperay NR60Documentation outstanding
Tipperary SR37Documentation outstanding
Waterford City1Processing yet to commence
Waterford Co20Documentation outstanding
Westmeath42Documentation outstanding
Wexford48Documentation outstanding
Total187999.3% Documentation outstanding
Note: The majority of these applications were received after the closing date

Photo of John DeasyJohn Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 967: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Science the measures that she proposes for local authorities to ensure that the delays experienced by students in receiving their third level grants in the current year are not repeated in the next academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15798/10]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that both local authorities and VECs are experiencing pressures due to the increased workload associated with the increased demand for student grants, particularly in the context of the recruitment moratorium in the public sector which, in some instances, will have impacted on the processing of grants. However, every effort is being made by these bodies to ensure that students get decisions on their grant applications and are paid as soon as possible.

Given the likelihood of further increases in the numbers of grant applications, my Department is working closely with local authorities, VECs and other relevant stakeholders to continue development of a number of initiatives to support more effective delivery of student grants, including service improvements in application, assessment and payments arrangements.

Work is currently being advanced on the development of a scaleable on-line applications facility in conjunction with a number of VECs and local authorities. Other measures include the introduction of a new, more simplified application form for 2010, earlier approval of the grant schemes, examination of the possible extension of the pilot electronic funds transfer (EFT) payments system introduced in 2009/2010 and the development of common annual renewal and re-assessment processes.

In addition, as part of the business process re-engineering exercise underway under the Transforming Public Services initiative, business process improvement techniques are being used to analyse ways in which the current assessment process can be handled more efficiently.

Apart from the pressures associated with the volume of applications, a very significant number of grant applications are delayed because the forms have not been fully completed or have not been submitted together with the necessary supporting documentation. All such documentation must be submitted as early as possible to enable the awarding bodies to make prompt decisions on entitlement. It is envisaged that the new, more simplified application form being introduced this year will assist in this regard also.

In the context of the Government's wider programme of public service reform, I am also re-assessing organisational options for the grants administration function in the longer run, with a view to revisiting the current proposals provided for in the Student Support Bill. Possible options for a more significant centralisation of functions are being explored with a view to streamlining operations and maximising administrative efficiency. This examination will be informed by the business process re-engineering exercise being conducted under the Transforming Public Services agenda.

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