Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
1077. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether he will legislate to ensure that personal assistants in third level institutes and education training boards are given permanent contracts for their services to disabled students. [3818/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are differing arrangements in place with regard to personal assistants within higher education institutions (HEI's). These arrangements reflect the differing needs profiles of students within HEIs, with some directly employing personal assistants and others utilising third party providers. As autonomous institutions, HEIs are afforded the flexibility to identify the most appropriate arrangements to best support the identified needs of students.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) for HEI's is managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf my Department. A single allocation of FSD funding is provided to HEIs each year, and the use of this allocation within HEIs is informed by needs assessments conducted in collaboration with individual students, and in accordance with the guidelines of the funding. These supports and services include assistive technology equipment and software, academic/learning support, and personal assistants.
In terms of the Further Education and Training sector, in 2024, FÓRSA submitted a claim to the Workplace Relations Committee (WRC) regarding personal assistants employed by Education and Training Boards. Several key aspects of the claim have been resolved, including the confirmation that qualifying personal assistants should be awarded Contracts of Indefinite Duration, in line with current employment law, as well as clarifications around entitlements to sick leave and holiday pay. However, as the WRC conciliation process is ongoing, the Deputy will appreciate it would not be appropriate for me as Minister, or indeed my officials, to comment further at this time.
