Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the Student Universal Support Ireland system will not respond to queries from Oireachtas members in relation to grant applications (details supplied); if he supports this approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1306/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Oireachtas email and dedicated phone line were set up by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) so that Oireachtas members could contact SUSI directly with queries rather than contacting the SUSI Helpdesk. I understand from SUSI that although the phone-line and email facility was fully operational there have been some delays in the past with responses due to the volume of e-mails and calls received. However, I am assured by SUSI that this situation was addressed and that it is currently up to date. A response is issuing generally within 24 hours of receipt of the email.

In relation to the details supplied by the Deputy it would appear that the e-mail was sent to the SUSI helpdesk and not to the dedicated Oireachtas email address.

Officials in my Department have confirmed with SUSI, that the application of the student referred to by the Deputy has already been awarded a grant and an award letter issued on the 8th January 2013.