Written answers
Thursday, 19 October 2023
Department of Education and Skills
Education and Training Boards
Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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138. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will give an update on any progress made to resolve the terms and conditions of employment of personal assistants who work in some Education and Training Boards; if he will provide a timeline for when the issue is expected to be resolved; if he will outline the engagement he and his Department has had with others in relation to the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45366/23]
Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that a number of Education and Training Boards have employed personal assistants to provide supports to learners under the Fund for Students with Disabilities. Officials in my Department and I have engaged with a variety of stakeholders on this issue, including SOLAS, FÓRSA, the ETBs and have met with a number of Personal Assistants also.
Budget 2024 includes €2m to expand the scope of the Fund for Students with Disabilities in the further education and training sector beyond PLC provision currently. SOLAS is carrying out an internal review of learner supports and associated guidelines and my Department has requested SOLAS to examine the provision of personal assistant services under the FSD as part of its review. I anticipate this matter will form part of the outcome of that process.
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