Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department is committed to increasing inclusion levels for all by providing high-quality, more accessible and flexible education and training options.

This inclusive attitude to learning is supported by a new funding stream that I announced in June 2022, with a €12m investment fund over a four year period known as PATH 4 (Programme for Access to Higher Education). Phase 1 was launched in 2022 and €3m in funding was provided for Universal Design measures.

Phase 2 involves a call for proposals to Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) for additional course provision in Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities. The competitive call which was launched on the 29th of June 2023 with a fund of €3m per year over 3 years is available to support enhanced provision. An external evaluation panel is currently evaluating these proposals.

There are a number programmes in operation across Further and Higher Education for example, DCU Access to the Workplace (ATTW) is an award-winning programme that provides professional summer internships for DCU Access students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds and for neurodivergent students. Leading Irish companies, who also make a donation to support Access scholarships at DCU, host the internships.

The Further Education and Training (FET) sector caters for many learners/students, including those on the autism spectrum. FET is committed to increasing levels of inclusion through the provision of high quality, more accessible and flexible education and training programmes and supports suited to the identified needs of individuals, including autistic learners, with the aim of enabling every citizen to participate fully in society.

Education and Training Boards (ETBs) have reported their efforts to design inclusive programmes, which include some dedicated programmes that are specifically designed for autistic learners. In some instances these programmes are targeted towards the parents and carers of people with autism. Some ETBs have developed spaces and hubs specifically designed with the needs of autistic learners in mind. Others work with autism support groups, NGOs and charities to ensure staff are skilled in designing programme and learning settings that meet the needs of learners with autism.

While not specific to autism, FET is provided for persons with a disability who require more intensive support through the Specialist Training Provision (STP) programme. A budget of €43million in 2022 was provided to Education Training Boards to fund STP across the country. Over 3,000 learners availed of this intensive support. All programmes provide individual assessment of need, planning and supported learning, coupled with accredited and non-accredited training, and can provide pathways to higher levels of FET, Higher Education, and employment.