Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 103: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of full-time students with a disability attending the institutes of technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27577/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A recent report by the Association of Higher Education Access and Disability, AHEAD, submitted to the Department of Education and Science indicates in the academic year 2004-05 students with a disability formed 2.7% — 1,366 — of full-time undergraduates in the sector. This figure compares with a participation rate of 1.5% for the institutes in the last AHEAD survey in 1998. It also exceeds the 2006 target for third level entrants with a disability, set by the action group on access 2001, which was 1.8%. This growth in participation reflects that improved systems of support, in particular through the fund for students with a disability, are encouraging and supporting students to access and participate in higher education in greater numbers than ever previously.