Vol. 445 No. 9
246 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to introduce a grant scheme for technical support for persons with a disability who need such technical supports to participate in third level education; and if she will make such grants available for the 1994 to 1995 academic year. [1463/94]
I have provided £200,000 in the 1994 Estimate for my Department to establish a fund to alleviate hardship amongst third level students.
I have already distributed £120,000 from this fund to third level institutions to enable them to assist students in financial difficulties.
The remaining £80,000 of the fund will be administered centrally with the advice of a committee which I have established. Third-level institutions have been invited to submit applications by 31 October 1994 for assistance on behalf of individual students or groups of students who are physically challenged. The grants to be awarded in response to these applications will be made before the end of the year.
