Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ó Cathasaigh for the question. We initially discussed this at the Committee on Autism and I thank him for following it up further. In June, I announced €12 million in funding for a new four-year strand of PATH funding. This is funding that is directed as under-represented groups in higher education. This is known as PATH 4. Phase 1 supports the embedding of universal design approaches and inclusive practices in HEIs. Universal design is based on the principles of flexibility and choice for all students. It recognises that a well-designed service or approach will accommodate the diverse range of student needs. Universal design is a proactive approach to inclusion that eliminates the need for separate arrangements for those with particular needs. This will benefit all students, including autistic students.

This phase will also enable institutions to build capacity to support greater participation by students with intellectual disabilities in higher education. It involves once-off funding of €3 million in 2022. Just before coming into the Chamber, I received a list of some of the ideas that have come back. I may get a chance to discuss some of this with the Deputy, but everybody will get a portion of the €3 million. A number of really good ideas have come back, including charters for universal design, leadership seminars, training of students and staff and transition programmes to welcome autistic students. Those are some examples from the comprehensive list I have just received. HEIs are required to develop a project plan, which is what I have just received, showing how the funding will be used.

There are 19 HEIs participating in the PATH programme. In the main, these are the publicly funded institutions. I am pleased to confirm that all 19 HEIs have now submitted project plans and that funding will issue in the coming weeks. In regard to the Deputy's question on the quantum of funding being sufficient to meet demand, the funding for PATH 4 is being provided using an allocation model that gives each institution a base amount, with additional funding being provided to institutions on the basis of on student numbers and the number of students with disabilities. The overall project, including the levels of funding, will be evaluated to assess effectiveness and impact in order to inform future policy developments. I genuinely believe success in this area will require me being under pressure to find more funding. Such is the level of good ideas coming through, that would be a good outcome.

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