Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
838. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Fund for Students with Disabilities will be expanded to include students who attend agricultural colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15073/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) aims to ensure that students with disabilities have access to the necessary assistance and equipment to complete their chosen studies. Funding is allocated to the college, not the student. The FSD currently applies to Colleges that fall under the remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS).
Teagasc provide education services to the agricultural sector and rural communities under the remit of my Department. Any expansion of the FSD to the agricultural colleges in the Teagasc network is a matter for DFHERIS in the first instance.
Teagasc is fully committed to assisting its students with learner needs across the agricultural college network. Services provided include assistive technology equipment and software, non-medical helpers (readers and scribes) and academic or learning support. Additionally, each College has an Access Officer who can assess the learning support requirements of learners.
