Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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275. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students that are still awaiting Student Universal Support Ireland grants on the 16 July 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37001/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland that as of the 16th July 2013 there were 18 applications awaiting a first decision.

While it is acknowledged that there were significant difficulties last year, I am informed by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that in preparation for the 2013/2014 Academic year the application assessment process was further developed to enhance effectiveness and efficiency and respond to experiences from year 1. In addition, a number of new initiatives have been implemented as recommended by the independent review by Accenture. The initiatives include direct information sharing between SUSI and Government bodies and agencies including the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Social Protection, the General Register Office (GRO) and the Central Applications Office (CAO). These links should reduce significantly the number of documents required from students in processing their grant applications.

SUSI introduced a self-service online application tracker. This now allows all applicants (new and old) to identify the status of their application personally, by tracking their application online.

SUSI is also working closely with all third level institutions to improve the payments process.