Written answers

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

Department of Education and Skills

Student Grant Scheme Administration

Photo of Brian WalshBrian Walsh (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

348. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is confident that the delays experienced in processing student grants in the past academic year will be avoided next term; and if he will outline changes in policy and practice that will ensure similar delays do not occur. [24085/13]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am informed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that, in preparation for the 2013/2014 Academic year, both the online application system and the application assessment process are being further developed to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency and respond to experiences from year 1. The online application system has opened on May 20th a number of weeks earlier than for the 2012/13 academic year.For new applicants going to or returning to college for the 2013/2014 academic year, new initiatives will make their application to SUSI more efficient this year. The initiatives include direct information sharing with SUSI from Government Bodies and Agencies including the Revenue Commissioners, Department of Social Protection, General Register Office (GRO) and the Central Applications Office (CAO). These links will reduce significantly the number of documents required. In addition to these developments core staff are now on site. These trained and experienced staff are cross functional and a number of these staff are now fully proficient in specialist areas such as self-employed/farming, appeals and nationality. Revised document management process and systems are in place and a tracking system is being developed which will allow students to follow the progress of their application online and reduce call centre volumes.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.