Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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320. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason it has taken over a year to receive a grant decision in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31747/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the applicant referred to by the Deputy was issued with a decision on the 28th May 2013 advising her that she was deemed ineligible to receive a grant. I understand from SUSI that incomplete documentation had been received.

If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form will be available on request from SUSI.

Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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321. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason students who have completed first year in third level education have not yet received decisions regarding their grant applications and the steps he is taking to rectify this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31748/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I understand from Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that there are a small number of applications awaiting a decision, and the turnaround time on receipt of outstanding documentation is two to three working days. There a number of appeals in the system also which are being prioritised.

Many of the recommendations in the Accenture report on the review of SUSI's system have already been implemented.

In preparation for the 2013/2014 Academic year both the online application system and the application assessment process have been further developed to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency and respond to experiences from year 1. The staff resources recommended by the Review have already been sanctioned. These developments will help to ensure that qualifying students have their applications assessed as quickly as possible.