Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 1

Written Answers. - Disabled Person's Access to Education.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

130 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education the progress, if any, that has been made in drawing up legislation which would guarantee access to education, including higher education, as a fundamental right for disabled persons. [10248/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The White Paper states that the education system should seek to promote equality of access, participation and benefit for all in accordance with their needs and abilities.

As I indicated to the House, in my statement on the White Paper on 4 May 1995, my objective is to bring forward legislation in relation to first, second and third-level education before the end of the year.

Work on the drafting of legislation has already commenced in my Department. I will, in this context, give careful consideration to the most appropriate mechanisms to promote equality of access for all students in accordance with their needs and abilities.