Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 324: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the supports that are available for part time students with a disability attending third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43642/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Fund for Students with Disabilities, which provides supports to students with disabilities attending full-time courses at third level, currently operates in line with regulations concerning the Maintenance Grant. Therefore the provision of support does not extend to those attending part-time courses.

The Higher Education Authority also provides institutions with recurrent funding to develop the necessary infrastructure and programmes of action which support wider access for people with a disability, mature students and young people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Tax relief is available on third level tuition fees in respect of approved part-time courses in approved colleges. Further information in this regard is available from the local Tax Offices.

The National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2008-2013, acknowledging the issue of supports for part-time students with a disability, states that the Higher Education Authority will work with my Department "to ensure that learners with disabilities who return to or continue with education through the part-time course route have access to supports".