Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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131. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide confirmation as to whether any of the recommendations as outlined in the Accenture Report on 17 May 2013 in relation to Student Universal Support Ireland have been taken into consideration; if he will confirm if the inferred increase in staffing will be in place within his Department in the upcoming year to cater for such a high influx of applications, as was the case in the academic year gone by; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28916/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Accenture Report contained 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 have been 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. In addition the staff resources recommended by the review have already been sanctioned. The resources include three additional management posts and some 23 (whole time equivalent) additional processing staff. This will help to ensure that qualifying students have their applications assessed as quickly as possible. SUSI has also significantly developed its training programme to meet the training needs of new and existing staff.

In addition, the closing date will be a month earlier to facilitate earlier application and decision on a grant application. Also SUSI is working closely with all third level institutions to improve the payment process for the 2013/14 academic year.

The principal recommendations of the review can be broken down as follows:-

Process:- Reduce the volume of documentation sought from applicants;- Develop an online renewal application system;- Set key calendar dates for the SUSI application process;- Further segregate applications into specialised sections;- Collect key data from applicants earlier in the process;- Improve training and scripts for the SUSI support desk;- Develop an eligibility estimator for applicants use;- Further develop operational KPI (Key Performance Indicator) and Reporting systems.

Management and Resources:- Enhance management resources;- Increase staff resources;- Develop core staff;- Re-employ experienced temporary staff.

ICT Systems:- Develop the SUSI grants system, to be a fully web-based integrated automated system;- Develop data information sharing links with Government bodies and agencies-Continue investment in IT development and capacity;- Develop an online self service tracker system for applicants;- Continue to develop the Management Information Service capacity.

Communications:- Develop a dedicated www.susi.ie website;- Enhance the communications strategy across the education stakeholders;- Improve the content of standard correspondence templates to applicants;- Develop a more targeted communications strategy for applicants from different sectors;- Set up a cross-Departmental stakeholders advisory group.