Vol. 533 No. 6
422 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which the operation of the special fund for students with disabilities 2000 operates; if this fund is available to assist students with both physical and intellectual disabilities; if it is available to students at third level who suffer from dyslexia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9493/01]
The special fund for students with disabilities, which is assisted by the European Social Fund, is administered directly by my Department. It provides grants towards the provision of services and the purchase of equipment for students with disabilities attending courses in third level institutions or post-leaving certificate courses.
The scheme applies to students who have serious sensory, physical and/or communicative disabilities, including dyslexia. The purpose of the scheme is to provide the students in question with assistance and-or equipment to enable them to enter, partake in and complete their course of study.
Applications for assistance are made in October of each year by the individual students through their third level institution. Decisions on applications are taken by an ad hoc advisory group which, in 2000, consisted of representatives of my Department, a representative from the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability and a representative of the Higher Education Authority.
The allocations are paid to the relevant institutions in respect of particular students. The institutions disburse the funds and certify the expenditure to be in accordance with the guidelines of the Department.
The level of funding allocated under the fund for students with disabilities has been increased substantially from £250,000 in 1998 to £1,232,889 in 2000. Under the 2000 fund allocations were made to 512 successful applicants.
