Sinn Féin highlight SUSI’s flaws as 60,000 grant applications remain unprocessed | Heather Steele

60,000 grant applications remained unprocessed as of the end of October.Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) was created to replace the previous grant awarding system. It is the central system through which all new grant applications for the year 2012/13 are processed. It has amalgamated 66 grant awarding bodies into a single online process. The new system aimed to minimise the stress of applying to multiple authorities. However, as of October 23rd there were still 60,000 applications being processed by the system.Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien said the SUSI online processing of student grants is working improperly after receiving an answer to a parliamentary question from the Education Minister, Ruairi Quinn, last week which stated that greater than 60,000 grant applications are still be to be processed. Speaking about the backlog, O’Brien said “The new SUSI online system was supposed to make the process of applying for a grant a good deal easier but regrettably, there have been serious flaws which have resulted in delayed payments, poor communication and inadequate responses to applications and document submissions.’’Deputy O’Brien received a break down on the applications made to SUSI in 2012/2013. It showed that of the 65,000 new applications made to the system, a decision has only been made on 12,000 of them with only 3,000 receiving payment. “The minister’s response today confirms that there are more than 60,000 applications still being processed by the system despite the fact that we are nearly in November.”Deputy O’Brien feels that the shortcomings of SUSI have long reaching consequences for students and their families. “The consequences for students and their families cannot be overstated and my office in Cork has dealt with people who have been left in dire straits by the failings of the new online system.” He added that due to the length of time it takes to receive payment students may be unable to attend college. “I know of at least two students whose place at college has been jeopardised as a result of delays in their payments.”O’Brien proposes that Minister Quinn address the issues within SUSI as to prevent problems for future applicants. “The Minister must introduce a clear tracking system that would enable students to know what stage applications are at. A better designed more user friendly website would also help and resources need to be found to improve the briefing and training of Helpdesk staff who are doing their best under difficult circumstances.”He added that given the current economic times students can ill afford delays in receiving grant payments. “As thousands of families struggle to make ends meet, it is unacceptable that students are having their grants delayed because of flaws in a system that was supposed to improve the processing of third level applications.