I would like to thank the Oireachtas Joint Committee for their work on this area and I note the recommendations contained in their report.In 2022 I launched the fourth National Access Plan - A strategic action plan for equity of access, participation and success in higher education, 2022 to 2028. This plan aligns with and builds on the wider ambitions of the Programme for Government to provide accessible, affordable education to all citizens with a mid-plan review in 2025.While higher education institutions are autonomous, the approach of my Department has been to offer a range of supports which enable them to meet national objectives, including those related to inclusion and supports for people with disabilities. Since the launch of the new National Access Plan I have provided a €12 million multi-annual fund (€3m per year over 4 years), known as PATH 4 with the aim of supporting universal design and enhancing provision for students with an intellectual disability. Phase 1 of this project saw a total of €3m in funding provided to support Universal Design to 19 Higher Education Institutions. The projects included Campus accessibility improvements, accessible learning resources, staff development and small-scale capital works such as autism-friendly spaces or quiet zones. Institutions can also use funding from their Devolved Capital Grant as part of broader Universal Design for Learning upgrade projects.Phase 2 (2023-2025) involves a three-year pilot to support an enhancement of course provision for students with intellectual disabilities and to inform future policy considerations in respect of students with intellectual disabilities. I have recently received the recommendations of the expert panel who assessed the proposals. I expect to be in a position to announce the results of funding for this multi-annual package in the coming weeks.
In relation to other measures as the Deputy may be aware, the Fund for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education will be topped up in 2024 by 5%, bringing the total to €8 million for the first time ever. This is paid out an calendar year basis by the HEA to the HEI’s, in line with the recommendations of the Review of the Fund for Students with Disabilities published in October 2017.
