Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
504. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students that accessed the fund for students with disabilities over the past three years by educational institution; the average amount provided to each student; the estimated cost of increasing the fund by 20%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32871/19]
View answerThe number of students who are beneficiaries under the Fund for Students with Disabilities has grown significantly. In 1999, approximately 300 students were supported by the Fund for Students with Disabilities. For the 2017/18 academic year, a total of 13,545 students were supported across higher education, further education and in other UK/EU higher education institutions.
Funding under the Fund for Students with Disabilities is allocated to the educational institution to support a student’s needs as determined by a needs assessment. The educational institution has full discretion on how funding is allocated at local level and remains responsible for the management of funding throughout each academic year.
The estimated cost of increasing the Fund for Students with Disabilities by 20% is €1.92 million, i.e. €9.6 million + 20% (€1.92m) €11.52 million.
Please find the table in the following link setting out expenditure in relation to FSD over the last three years.
