Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, we are expecting that later this year. We have already started to engage with the steering group we have in place in respect of the implementation of a national access plan. It is fair to say that when we look at the existing access plan, we see improvements in pretty much all areas. There is an area that we have not seen the improvement we would wish to see, namely, that relating to mature students. There is a major opportunity arising from Covid. We must try to find the opportunities in the context of delivering education in a more flexible way and ensuring that mature students can access education in an easier way. We will look to set targets and new types of targets around access. I am very concerned that when we measure disability we only measure some disabilities. I do not believe there is a broad enough metric in that regard. Through public consultation there will be an opportunity for everyone to make their views known, probably over the summer months. I would also be very happy to make officials available to this committee in getting the views of the committee on how we can have the most robust national access plan possible. There will be a new national access plan delivered towards the latter half of this year.