Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 5

Written Answers. - Services for Disabled Students.

Máirín Quill

Ceist:

234 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Education if, in relation to the appointment of an officer to look after the needs of the disabled in University College, Cork, this is a permanent appointment; if she intends to make sure that a similar provision will be made in relation to the regional colleges and other third level institutions; if she intends to have research carried out into the needs of disabled students at third level with a view to establishing the additional service which ought to be provided to enable them to proceed with studies without undue hardship or difficulty; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The apointment in University College Cork is initially for a three year period at the end of which the position will be reviewed. University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin employ such an officer on a permanent basis.

In the other universities the admission departments and examination staff all pay particular attention to the needs of disabled students and undertake their own ongoing research in this area.

In October 1992 the third level institutions themselves set up an organisation called AHEAD (Association for Higher Education Access and Disability) specifically to look after the needs of disabled students. The organisation receives funding under the EC's HORIZON programme and between the universities, the regional technical colleges and other third level institutions there are 26 institutions involved.