Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
891. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the detailed breakdown of funding allocations for the FSD grant for 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56835/25]
View answerThe purpose of the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) is to assist 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.
The FSD is one of the main funding sources supporting participation by students with disabilities in approved higher education courses in Ireland. It also supports students from Ireland to study on approved courses in other EU countries and in the UK, including Northern Ireland.
The Fund for Higher Education was increased in the recent budget by over 10% bringing it to €10.5m. This follows increases of 5% and 18% respectively in 2024 and 2025.
The extra funding announced will help students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels who require specific and tailored support such as non-medical helpers, transport and assistive technology.
I have attached below a table illustrating the allocation and spend as requested by the Deputy, however, for 2026, this allocation was announced in the Budget and the breakdown of 2026 figures will not be available until March 2026 when modelling is complete.
It should be noted for 2025 - FSD EEA/UK applications have 2 closing dates – 17th October and 21st November 2025. Applications are processed on an ongoing basis and payments usually made in February the following year.
The FSD Contingency Fund (calculated at 5% of the allocation minus the UK/EEA amount) is usually allocated in late October based on reports from HEIs.
