Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2014
149. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Skills the action he will take to ensure a greater participation by persons with disabilities in third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8968/14]
View answerMy Department allocates significant resources to ensure that students can participate fully in their academic programmes and are not disadvantaged by reason of a disability. The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) provides funding to both further and higher education institutions for the provision of services and supports for full-time students with disabilities. A claim under the Fund is made on behalf of an eligible student by their college following an assessment of need. Applications cannot be made directly to the Fund by students. Colleges are also responsible for the management of the funding approved for eligible students. The Fund for Students with Disabilities is managed by the HEA on behalf of my Department.
In addition the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a college and university admissions scheme which offers places at reduced points to school leavers with disabilities. Eighteen higher education institutions are currently participating in the scheme. An application for a place through this scheme is made to the Central Applications Office (www.cao.ie). For further information on DARE see also www.accesscollege.ie. Core funding for access programmes is allocated each year as part of the overall budget of each designated higher education institution. This funding supports the provision of dedicated staff, services and supports for students with disabilities as well as for mature students and school-leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Every further and higher education institution has at least one member of staff with responsibility for liaising with students with disabilities, as required by the Disability Act 2005. In addition many institutions have a dedicated Disability Support Service with trained disability officers, learning support officers and other specialist staff. The National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education (2014-2016) is currently being finalised by the National Access Office for my Department. The new plan will include actions and targets that ensure there is continued support for people with disabilities in accessing and participating in higher education.
