Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I find myself in full agreement with the Deputy. To be honest, one of my concerns in respect of the national access plan, which has achieved a lot, is exactly what she and Senator Hoey have identified, that is, there are people with disabilities not counted within those figures. I think of students with autism or those with intellectual disabilities or dyslexia. There are others who are not counted. There is more work to be done in respect of students with visual impairments and the likes. I had a very good meeting recently with the National Council for the Blind of Ireland, NCBI, and the Dyslexia Association of Ireland regarding some of the assistive technology they introduced during the pandemic and how they wish to now make that permanent and spread it. I have had very good meetings with, and visits to, the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities, which the Deputy knows very well. It is quite an inspiring place.

Alongside the capital plan, she should expect a more comprehensive definition of a student with a disability in the national access and inclusion plan, as she and Senator Hoey are suggesting. If something is not measured, its progress cannot be monitored. Although there has been progress in respect of disabilities, the definition has been too narrow, quite frankly.

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