Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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23. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has reviewed the proposal put forward by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to have the Student Universal Support Ireland application process reconfigured alongside the Central Applications Office process so that students will know whether they have financial support before beginning third level courses. [45123/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The proposal referred to was submitted to the Higher Education Authority as part of the consultation process for the new National Plan for Equity of Access 2014 – 2017.

The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) online grant application process for 2014/15 opened on May 8th 2014, earlier than previous years. In consultation with my Department, an earlier opening date for 2015/16 is expected. This will allow an opportunity for applicants, in particular those sitting leaving certificate exams, to complete their applications during school term with the assistance of career guidance counsellors and others who can provide advice and support. Students will also know if they meet eligibility criteria at an early stage in the process. It is important to note that the majority of new applicants cannot be awarded a grant until late August, when Leaving Certificate results and CAO offers are out.