Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
219. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made on the provision of the personal assistants initiative for persons with a disability in third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67834/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting learners with disabilities is a core priority for my Department. Last year, my Department hosted a national Disability Symposium in Dublin, bringing together students, families, educators, Disabled Persons Organisation's and key stakeholders to share their experiences and shape future action.
Following this engagement, the Department has commenced a project focused on better supporting students with disabilities. This project will examine transitions into further and higher education, map the supports and services available to students with disabilities within the further and higher education system, and develop new approaches to supporting students as they move into employment following college.
The work of the Project forms one of my Department’s key commitments under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030 and supports Ireland’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
A key element of the project is to map and identify the supports available for disabled students across further and higher education. This is the first step in ensuring they have the right resources, as identified by them, to fully participate and succeed. The mapping phase is expected to commence as part of the project in 2026.
In addition, the Department already provides support to students with disabilities through the National Access Plan, which aims to promote inclusion and participation for underrepresented groups, including students with disabilities.
This includes the Fund for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education. As part of Budget 2026 I was pleased to increase the Fund's allocation in both further and higher education. In higher education the budget was increased by over 10% bringing it to €10.5 million in 2026. FSD funding is provided as a block grant to HEIs for the purposes eligible under the Fund. The extra funding will help students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels who require specific and tailored supports. These include non medical helpers such as personal assistants and notetakers, as well as transport and assistive technology.
The Deputy may also be aware that the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People commits to developing a national policy regarding Personal Assistance. A HSE-led Review Group’s work will inform the development a policy approach that ensures a focus on the ethos of self-directed care and promotes a coordinated approach to Personal Assistance service provision across different sectors.
My Department will engage fully with any recommendations that relate to further or higher education and support their implementation.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
