Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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64. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the funding that is to be provided to implement the recommendations of the Accenture Review into Student Universal Support Ireland; and the aspects of the review that are in place for the start of the new grant cycle. [25389/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Funding for the administration of student grants by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is provided on a financial year basis. The funding provided by this Department to SUSI in the financial year 2012 which includes set-up and operational costs was some 6.7m. Funding requirements for the 2013 financial year are currently under review in light of the recommendations of the Review. The Review contains a series of recommendations, many of which are already being implemented by SUSI. In line with these recommendations and in preparation for the 2013/14 academic year, both the online application system and the application assessment process are being further developed to enhance their effectiveness and to deal with the difficulties experienced in year one.

A number of new initiatives will make the application process more efficient this year including: direct information sharing between SUSI and Government agencies such as the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Social Protection, the General Register Office and the Central Applications Office. These links should significantly reduce the number of documents required from applicants themselves.