Education Schemes

Tuesday, 7 July 2026

Ceisteanna (891)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

891. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason an applicant (details supplied) was deemed ineligible for DARE on the basis of not having a diagnosis of dyslexia and therefore, not meeting the “evidence of disability criteria” specifically stated as “dyslexia/significant literacy difficulties, when the application included at least two references to the applicant’s dyslexia diagnosis; if this application can be reviewed on this basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51419/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is operated by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) on behalf of the higher education institutions who set the policy criteria for the scheme. Admissions under the scheme are regulated by the higher education institutions themselves. Each institution determines its own admissions policy in relation to the scheme, the number of places they reserve and the allocation of those places.

As the Deputy will be aware and as outlined at the DARE briefing provided by the IUA which I hosted in Leinster House in May, this scheme does not fall within the remit of my Department. Therefore, I am not in a position to intervene on individual cases.

Applications to the scheme are submitted to the Central Applications Office (CAO) who coordinate the scheme for participating institutions, with information concerning appeals to be found at www.cao.ie.

In regard to the applicant referred to, I asked officials to seek contact details for the IUA and I wish to confirm that an email issued to the Deputy on 1 July, from officials in my Department, providing these details.

I trust this clarifies the matter.