Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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205. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 287 of 8 December 2022, if six ETBs (details supplied) spanning nine counties have no personal assistants employed either directly or indirectly; the impact that this may have in terms of supporting people with disabilities accessing further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62554/22]

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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206. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 287 of 8 December 2022, the average annual cost to an ETB of employing a personal assistant; the average cost of employing a personal assistant via external providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62555/22]

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 together.

SOLAS administers the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) funding to the Education and Training Boards who independently manage the funding allocations to Post Leaving Centre providers for services and accommodations required to support students with disabilities.

These supports include academic/learning support; assistive technology equipment and software; hearing impaired supports; examination supports; and non-medical supports for learners with a disability.

Need assessments determine the supports and accommodations provided for students and the individual ETB / PLC College is responsible for decisions on the most appropriate support to meet the needs of the student, in accordance with the guidelines issued by SOLAS.

Officials in my Department have contacted the ETBs mentioned. As the Deputy will appreciate the individual learner needs, including requirements for non-medical supports, such as personal assistants, varies from year to year. Any PLC learners with a diagnosed disability that requires them to have the support of a Personal Assistant or other aforementioned supports can access these supports under the Fund for Students with Disabilities. Indeed one of the ETBs listed, KWETB, has since procured personal assistant services.

My Department does not have data regarding the average annual cost to an ETB of employing a personal assistant either internally or externally. It is a matter for the individual ETB/PLC college to determine how the personal assistance services are provided having regard to the capacity of each ETB and the demand, range and complexity of learner needs and the level of expertise and flexibility required. I am aware of the claims being made by personal assistants directly employed by ETBs and by FORSA for improved terms and conditions for these workers who are currently paid on an hourly rate basis.