Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will issue on an application for an Irish sign language interpreter in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30449/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Fund for Students with Disabilities provides support to students with disabilities in further and higher education and is managed by the HEA on behalf of my Department. Typical supports for which funding is approved include assistive technology, academic or learning support, personal assistance and Irish Sign Language interpretation.

A number of years ago, the HEA introduced an early application deadline, typically in August, to facilitate an early decision on applications from further education colleges, on the basis that courses begin in September. This early application round has improved the timescales for responses to applications for further education colleges.

The college referred to by the Deputy has been advised to make an early application for the relevant assistance on behalf of the student.

The HEA endeavours to assess all applications as promptly as possible and continues to liaise with colleges directly on an ongoing basis to provide updates on the progress of applications, particularly where a high level of support is requested.

The student referred to by the Deputy should maintain contact with the college, which will keep her informed of the progress on her application for an ISL Interpreter.