Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter with me and for raising it on one of my many visits in recent weeks to Drogheda and Dundalk, where the ETB has highlighted this as an important matter. The Deputy and I both want to create an education system that is truly inclusive and that allows everyone to reach their full potential no matter what their background is or whether they have a disability.

Some good things are in place around funds for students with disabilities. We have had new initiatives to support autistic students, which we discussed earlier, but we need to do more. The fund for students with disabilities provides funding to higher and further education institutions for the delivery of services and supports for students with disabilities. Within the further education and training sector, SOLAS administers the funding to each of the ETBs, which independently manage the allocation to post-leaving certificate centre providers for services and accommodations required to support students with disabilities.

That fund can be used to provide a wide range of supports, including non-medical helpers, such as personal assistants, which is the issue the Deputy raised. I understand some ETBs engage external service providers to provide the personal assistant service while other ETBs directly employ personal assistants. There is not one model in that regard. As set out in the SOLAS fund for students with disabilities guidelines, in cases where the ETB directly employs personnel to deliver supports, the contractual relationship is strictly between that employee and the ETB or the local college. As such, the terms and conditions of employment for personal assistants are a matter for the ETB.

However, I am aware claims are being made by personal assistants directly employed by the ETBs and by Fórsa, their union, for improved terms and conditions for these workers who are currently paid on an hourly rate basis. I understand Fórsa has tabled the matter for discussion at the ETB industrial relations, IR, forum, which deals with the ETB sector. I believe a meeting regarding that is due to take place this month. On top of that, my officials are also meeting with Fórsa on the matter. I assure the Deputy there has been a lot of engagement to try to see if there is a way forward.

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