Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would be very interested in following up on the issue with the Deputy. I will ask my officials listening in to the debate to expect to hear from the Deputy on the matter. My very clear understanding in checking this out is that the higher or further education institutions determine the level of support provided, but they do not do it in a vacuum. They do it based on the needs assessment. If there is a needs assessment for any student which states that there is a particular requirement, the relevant institution should be in a position to draw down from the fund to provide the support required. I am not blaming the college or the education and training board, ETB, in question. If there is an anomaly, we need to look at it. I am not familiar with the case. The Deputy is not being critical of anybody and I am not either. If there is an issue here, we should look at it. The fundamental principle is that the needs assessment sets out the student's requirements. The higher education institution outlines how it will meet the needs of the student and it then requests funding from the fund for students with disabilities. That is the process. If there is a rigidity in the system that I am not aware of or a clarification needs to be provided, I am happy to provide it. I ask the Deputy to liaise directly with my office. I will keep a personal interest in the matter.

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