Written answers
Tuesday, 29 July 2025
Department of Education and Skills
Departmental Funding
Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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3418. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the special educational accommodations, such as rest facilities, flexible scheduling or assisted learning support that have been implemented in further and higher education institutions for students diagnosed with narcolepsy post-pandemrix vaccination; whether additional funding is planned to support these students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43821/25]
James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) provides funding to higher education institutions to assist them in offering supports and services to eligible students with disabilities so that they can participate on an equal basis with their peers. The Fund for Students with Disabilities is allocated to the HEIs as a block grant and the provision of supports and services to eligible students are a matter to each HEI. Under the FSD Guidelines, students with neurological conditions are eligible for support providing that they meet all of the eligibility criteria.
Prior to requesting supports and services, HEIs must, in collaboration with the student, complete a needs assessment and document the relevant information. Supports provided are based on this assessment of need.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities in Further Education and Training (FET) is a key funding source for students with disabilities on Post-Leaving Certificate courses. It ensures eligible students have the necessary help and equipment to participate on an equal basis with other students. In 2020, SOLAS assumed responsibility for the management of the Fund in FET. An average of €5 million is allocated to Fund every year.
To be eligible for support, a learner must have a verifiable disability, meet the nationality and residency criteria, and have a verified need for specific supports. Decisions associated with the Fund are with the college, taking account of the student’s preferences.
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