Minister O’Keeffe reassures students awaiting decisions on grant applications

The Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe TD, today [Thursday] moved to reassure students awaiting decisions on their grant applications.

Minister O’Keeffe acknowledged that some students are experiencing delays in the processing of their grant applications.

But he said every effort is being made by local authorities and VECs to ensure that students get decisions on their grant applications and are paid as soon as possible.

It’s understood that the awarding bodies received an unprecedented number of applications this year and that they’re still getting late applications daily.

Minister O’Keeffe acknowledged the difficulties VECs and local authorities are experiencing because of the recruitment moratorium in the public sector which, in some instances, is affecting the processing of grants.

Minister O’Keeffe said: ‘Our difficult economic circumstances mean tough choices had to be made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run.

‘That includes the need to implement a recruitment and promotion moratorium in the public sector.

‘It’s inevitable that staffing constraints on public bodies will lead to certain pressures on services.

‘I know, however, that the bodies are endeavouring to ensure that the work associated with the processing of grants be prioritised.

‘I want to acknowledge the efforts of the VECs and local authorities in these challenging circumstances.

‘Apart from the pressures associated with the volume of applications, a significant number of outstanding grant applications haven’t been processed in full because they’re incomplete.

‘I’d also remind students and their parents to return all necessary supporting documentation as early as possible to help the awarding bodies make prompt decisions on entitlement.’

Minister O’Keeffe has asked the Higher Education Authority to request institutions to be flexible in respect of the payment of the student services charge for those still awaiting a decision on their grant application.

He’s also assessing organisational options for the processing of grant applications in the longer run with a view to streamlining operations and achieving more effective administrative efficiencies.

‘Possible options for a more significant aggregation of functions are now being explored in the context of budgetary considerations and the Government’s overall programme of public service reform,’ said Minister O’Keeffe.