New figures reveal stark differences in the waiting times for payment of educational grants in the South-East.
Waterford City Council has been found to be the most efficient council in the country for the processing of third level college grants, according to a UCD survey.
In a survey conducted by the university’s students’ union, Waterford City Council was found to have made grants available in the quickest time.
The figures, which are based on statistics from the fees and grants office at the UCD Registry, refer to the academic year of 2009/2010.
The latest date at which grants were made available to students by Waterford City Council was October 8th 2009. The rest of the councils were judged by how many days after this date they made payments to students in their catchment area.
Wexford County Council didn’t fare well, being among the worst performing councils, with students waiting 99 days (14 weeks) after those in Waterford city had received their grant.
Commenting on the diverse findings, UCD Students Union President Paul Lynam said: “The gap between the best councils is something that must be addressed immediately. Students cannot suffer financial hardship based on what county they live in.”
Waterford County Council made payments 34 days (almost five weeks) after their city counterparts, but were still in the top four best performing councils.
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