Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee. I am substituting for Senator Higgins. I have listened to the witnesses speak about how daunting going to a third level institution can be after being diagnosed early. I came through the education system with dyslexia. I was diagnosed at a very late stage. I remember going into Trinity College and thinking I was stupid and different from everybody else. I wondered how I was going to get support. As Ms O'Connor said, it is not signposted and the supports are not widely available to students. The witnesses spoke about post-leaving certificate colleges and FETAC levels 5 and 6. What makes it easier for students with disabilities to access post-leaving certificate courses rather than university? What are the bigger barriers for university?

Do the witnesses believe lecturers and those in colleges who support people with disabilities are fully qualified to fulfil the role and meet the needs of people with disabilities? We know there is not just one disability. There are various levels of disability and students have various disabilities. What other barriers do young people with disabilities face when accessing services? The committee has heard from students during this term and the previous term. If the Government had a magic wand what do the witnesses believe it should do so that young people with disabilities have equality of opportunity to be able to be successful in universities as well as in post-leaving certificate colleges?