Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before the Deputy entered the Chamber, I referred to the movement from second level to tertiary level, particularly for those who are in receipt of personal assistance hours. In many cases, they move from primary to secondary with school special needs assistants or other forms of assistance and then there is a cliff edge. There is no doubt that this cliff edge is extremely daunting. It comes down to how we navigate that and how the third level institutions, many of which are autonomous, provide services with support from my Department.

In the context of all the questions raised this morning, it is interesting that the underlying theme, which is quite refreshing to be honest, is the genuine concern Deputies of all parties and none have about access for people with disabilities to the third level sector. There is quite a deal of collaboration that can be done in this space. I look forward to working with Deputy Ó Murchú and others on this matter.

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