Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that local authorities are spending an inordinate length of time processing educational grants and this is increasing the risk that some students may drop out and end up in the dole queue; if he will direct local authorities to speed up this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34934/11]

Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the fact that local authorities are spending an inordinate length of time processing educational grants and this is increasing the risk that some students may drop out and end up in the dole queue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34933/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 104 together.

The process of assessing and paying third level or further education grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC.

I am aware that the timing of payment varies between the 66 awarding authorities depending on a number of factors including the volume of applications received, staffing resources and whether or not properly completed application forms have been submitted. Work prioritisation across different functions, and how available staff are deployed to execute those functions are matters for the management of each grant awarding authority - in this case the City and County Managers. However, my Department constantly monitors the situation.

The Deputy will be pleased to know that plans are well underway to replace the 66 grant awarding bodies with one single authority and I have approved the appointment of the CDVEC to operate this centralised body.

The single authority will be operative from 2012 and I believe it will lead to a more efficient system for the processing of applications and improve the overall customer experience for those who apply for grants. I am sure the Deputy will agree this much needed overhaul of the grants system is a positive example of public sector reform.