Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the online applications for student grants will be made available; the reason for the delay in making these forms available; if he will assure students that their applications will be processed prior to the start of their college year to prevent undue financial pressures on students and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30793/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The online student grant application system went live on 11th June 2012 and to date over 13,500 fully completed student grant applications have already been received by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). There was no delay in making the student grant application process available. In fact, it has been made available earlier than previous years. The introduction of SUSI as the new central grant awarding authority will facilitate significant service improvements, including an early provisional notification of grant eligibility. Students do not have to wait until they have confirmed their final choice of college or course to apply for a grant. Earlier application for a grant will lead to a timely decision on grant eligibility. The new arrangements will also facilitate the earlier payment of grants on a monthly basis by electronic funds transfer to eligible students as soon as they verify that they have registered on an approved course.