Vol. 511 No. 3
373 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to increase in 2000 the special fund for students with disabilities; and, if so, the plans, if any, he has for creating a set of clear criteria for the allocation and distribution of the funds. [24120/99]
374 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if the dyslexia anomaly, whereby students with specific learning disabilities have been overlooked by the special fund for students with disabilities, is being dealt with and corrected; and the plans, if any, he has for a new system. [24121/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 373 and 374 together.
The special fund for students with disabilities assists students who have special needs in attending third level institutions and post leaving certificate colleges. Grants are provided to students for the purchase of special equipment, special materials, technological aids, targeted transport services and sign language assistance-interpreters and personal assistants. The funding made available to the special fund in 1998 amounted to £250,000.
