Tom Clonan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the manner in which he addressed the concerns I raised. I will quote a letter sent from the Minister in relation to this matter, which echoes the concerns the Minister of State draws. He stated:

As you may be aware, higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and I am, therefore, not in a position to intervene on matters pertaining to individual students or relating to academic or assessment matters.

It behoves the Minister and us, as public representatives, to show moral leadership. While not commenting on an individual case per se, there should be an opportunity for the Minister to invite in the senior leadership team of NCAD to discuss this because it has been rehearsed in the public domain. It is on the public record and in the newspapers. It goes to the heart of fundamental principles about the status of disabled citizens in Ireland. Unfortunately, Ireland has a poor record on the fundamental human rights of disabled citizens. This is a matter of fundamental ethical principle. Notwithstanding the constraints around the specifics, there are general principles of huge ethical concern and great moral compulsion here. The Minister should invite in the NCAD. The Minister of State suggested having a deputation meeting, if that were possible. I ask him to communicate to the Minister that I would certainly be happy to participate in any such meeting.Notwithstanding the very adversarial response from NCAD on this issue, it has indicated that it would be prepared to speak to me about it and perhaps that might be a way of addressing some of these concerns. It is a really egregious and sad situation.

To end on a positive note, this very talented student has secured a place at the Technological University of Dublin, TUD. I am hoping, and am satisfied that with the support of her family and of TUD, that she will succeed where she was failed by NCAD.