John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if applications for student grants to Student Universal Support Ireland will be granted without delay in view of the fact that students need to sit exams and cannot do so until they have received their grant and paid their fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54868/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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SUSI has indicated that it is on target to progress all applications received to date with the necessary supporting documentation between now and the end of the year. The Higher Education Authority (HEA), on foot of a request from my Department, has written to all higher education institutions requesting them to show flexibility and consideration, as most have done in the past, to students who may be awaiting a decision on their grant application and/or payment of grants. The HEA has requested institutions not withdraw facilities such as library or exam access, given that these students are awaiting decision on their grant applications. The situation is being kept under review. In addition SUSI is working closely with the Irish Universities Association (IUA) and the Institutes of Technology Ireland (IOTI) in this regard.