Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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482. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62854/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am happy to give an update on the review of the Student Grant Scheme. This was a very important commitment in the Programme for Government, which will help shape decision-making on how we support students over the years to come.

Following a procurement process, the review has been undertaken by Indecon Economic Consultants, under the guidance of a steering group which has included student and sectoral representatives.

There was significant public interest in the Review, with around 280 submissions. A very welcome feature of the process was engagement with students, and I understand that over 9,000 survey responses were received from students across the country.

This strong element of public engagement, in addition to the economic work undertaken by the consultants, should provide a solid evidence basis for the recommendations of the review.

I am currently awaiting the final report of the review of the Student Grant System. I understand that the work is at an advanced stage, and is at the point of finalisation. My expectation is that I will receive the final report before Christmas. My intention is to submit the report to Government, and then to publish it.