Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
169. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students with disabilities from here studying in Northern Ireland have access to the fund for students with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52084/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Fund for Disabilities (FSD) is to assist further and higher education institutions in ensuring students with disabilities have the necessary assistance and equipment to enable them access, fully participate in and successfully complete their chosen course of study.
Eligible students from this State studying in Northern Ireland may qualify for funding under the FSD for where they are enrolled on a full-time undergraduate courses of not less than two years duration or a full-time postgraduate courses of not less than one-year duration pursued in a university or higher education institution which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds in an EU Member State or the United Kingdom, with the exception of the following:
1. Courses in colleges of further and higher education (other than courses which are at Higher National Diploma level or higher);
2. Courses provided in a college which are offered in private commercial third-level colleges in the state in question, and which are validated by that college; and
3. Courses in colleges akin to private commercial colleges in Ireland.
Further information on the Fund is available at www.studentfinance.ie or from the Access Office of any higher education institution.
