Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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639. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a student (details supplied) can transfer their college course from Letterkenny to Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8979/24]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Firstly I would like to offer my sympathies to this student and their family following this tragic life changing accident.

It is one of the utmost priorities for me and my Department that we support and promote greater inclusion, equity of access and successful participation in third level education, and provide each student with a physical or intellectual disability, and those from other marginalised groups, with the support and assistance they need on their academic journeys.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous under legislation and have control of their academic affairs. From the information provided it is unclear if this student has applied to the higher education institution in relation to a transfer of their programme, or any form of assistance.

I would advise the student contact the Access Officer in ATU for guidance as to what supports are available, in the first instance. There are an array of supports available to students with a disability. Further information and contact information is available on the ATU website and ahead.ie.

Since the launch of The National Access Plan in 2022, I have taken a number of measures to support access to Higher Education for target groups, including increasing the annual allocation for the Fund for Students with a Disability for 2024 by 5% to over €8 million. The Department is committed to ensuring all students can actively participate in third level education.