Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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70. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which Student Universal Support Ireland has been in a position to process the higher education grant scheme requirements within a reasonable time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23625/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Following a challenging first year of operation in 2012, SUSI improved its performance significantly in 2013 with all key targets met in terms of the timely processing of grant applications and the payment of awarded grants. This result is based on changes and improvements made by SUSI for 2013 following an independent review of its first year. SUSI processed over 92,000 grant applications for the 2013/2014 academic year compared with 70,000 for 2012/2013. Applications were processed within the three-month cycle from application closing date in early August to first payment date in late October.

In addition, SUSI has introduced a number of further key improvements for 2014/2015 which include an earlier application opening date (8 May), revised and more user-friendly website information at www.susi.ie, more automated validation of the online application form, an extended range of online services to applicants, a more streamlined internal processing of applications, further extension of data sharing with Government Departments and agencies, increased stakeholder engagement and the introduction of an online grant eligibility reckoner.