Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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93. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will indicate having regard to the experience to date, the extent to which particular administrative issues have been identified in the way Student Universal Support Ireland has dealt with higher education grant applications with particular reference to the delays experienced by applicants; if particular issues have been identified as being of pivotal importance in the future with particular reference to the need to achieve a reliable, efficient, cost-effective and transparent service; the extent to which comparisons have been made with the previous system whereby individual local authorities dealt with applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25454/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The City of Dublin VEC commissioned an external review of SUSI, to identify the causes of the difficulties and to set out a specific programme of action to address them, so as to ensure that similar difficulties and delays will not be experienced for 2013/14. The Review examined the business systems and processes deployed by SUSI and assessed their adequacy in delivering on the overall business goals and objectives of reforming the administration of student grants.

I am informed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that, in line with recommendations in the Review and 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. Comparisons with the previous year show that by the 20th January 2013 the number of applications processed were 18% ahead of those at the same date in 2012.