Grant system crash ‘a disaster’ – Ruane

Student grant system crash ‘a disaster’ – Ruane


Ciara Galvin

IN what is the latest in the saga surrounding the Student Universal Support Ireland or SUSI, students across the country were unable to lodge grant applications after the computerised system for dealing with student grants crashed last week.
The initial deadline for applications through the system was August 1 last, but due to the system failure, the extension was put back to midnight last night (Monday).
Speaking to The Mayo News Tony Deffely, Director of the Castlebar College of Further Education, said he had been receiving calls in the aftermath of the crash from people worried that the crash meant the closure of college course places.
“I’ve been getting calls saying is it too late to apply for the course now that the date for the grant application has passed,” explained Mr Deffely.
Deffely assures that the College will continue to enrol students.
“Firstly, the Castlebar College of Further Education will continue to enrol right through September while places remain available. Secondly, following a conversation with a representative of SUSI, I can state that it is still possible to make a late application for an education grant. It should be clear to applicants, however, that those who have applied before the cut-off date of August 1 will take precedence over those who applied after that date,” said the College Director.
Mr Deffely stressed that places in Castlebar College of Further Education ‘remain possible right into September’.
“Many people do not realise that the same grants are available on exactly the same basis in PLC/Further Education/Fetac colleges such as the Castlebar College of Further Education, as are available in third level colleges.”
Castlebar-based Sinn Féin Cllr Thérèse Ruane expressed her disappointment at the system failure saying it is ‘deeply worrying for parents and students’.
“It’s just devastating, after last year’s absolute fiasco it was brought up by myself and other members of the Mayo VEC that we couldn’t have a repeat of last year and before we can even start there’s already a ‘glitch’,” said Cllr Ruane.
“When you have a so-called glitch how is that going to encourage people for next year, people who depend on this grant,” asked the Castlebar councillor.
Cllr Ruane added that despite being given promises by Dublin VEC and Minister for Education Ruarí Quinn ‘it wasn’t sorted’.
“We got guarantees that there won’t be any mishaps. It’s a disaster,” stated the Sinn Feín councillor.

For more information visit CCFE.ie or to seek clarification ring 094 9023134.