Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
1253. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider extending phase 2 PATH 4 pilot funding until the end of the National Access Plan in 2028, which would provide job security for programme staff and ensure a further cohort of learners can benefit from course offerings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9803/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter that you have raised is under consideration and I would like to reiterate that I am very supportive of the PATH 4 programmes. The learning process from the PATH 4 pilot is still ongoing but I am pleased to say that feedback to date from all stakeholders has been positive. A total of €5.8 million has been allocated to HEIs by the HEA under PATH 4 Phase 1 to support the implementation of the courses since 2022. €3 million was initially allocated in 2022 under the PATH 4 Phase 1 Universal Design Fund, 2022-2024 and I was pleased to announce in 2025 that a further €2.8 million was provided under the PATH 4 Phase 1 Inclusive Environment Fund, 2025-2026. PATH 4, Phase 2 courses for students with intellectual disabilities were announced in February 2024. The courses are specifically designed to meet the needs of students with an intellectual disability. This is a pathfinding programme with a budget of just over €11 million. 193 students are currently enrolled in 11 HEIs across a wide geographic spread. I recently approved funding to hire an expert to develop a common evaluation instrument for PATH 4 Phase 2. The evaluation of the programme presents an invaluable opportunity to gather aggregated data at the national level on the outcomes and lessons emerging. It will also allow us to build a robust evidence-base to inform and guide future policy development. It is expected that the evaluation of the programme will be available in Q3 of 2026. This will be critical in informing the next steps so that we can meet the Programme for Government commitment of expanding PATH 4 courses in a way which best meets the needs of our students.
