Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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224. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline what the fund for students with disabilities covers; the amount that is allocated to each category across all FETs; the amount that is allocated to transport across all FETs, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21799/26]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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My Department places a priority on inclusion across further and higher education. This work is closely aligned with the Programme for Government, the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People for 2025 to 2030, and the forthcoming Further Education and Training Strategy.

A key support in this area is the Fund for Students with Disabilities. This fund provides resources to Education and Training Boards to help them deliver the supports and services students with disabilities need to participate on an equal basis with their peers. At present, the fund is mainly available to learners on Post-Leaving Certificate courses.

The supports available through the fund include assistive technology, non-medical supports such as personal assistants and note-takers, academic and examination supports, supports for learners who are deaf or hard of hearing, transport assistance, and supports related to work placements. In 2024, more than 3,500 learners benefited from this funding.

As part of Budget 2026, I secured an additional €2 million for the Fund for Students with Disabilities within further education and training. This brings the total allocation for 2026 to €7.7 million. Importantly, this increase includes new, dedicated funding for transport supports for learners with intellectual disabilities across a range of FET courses.

My Department officials have agreed an implementation mechanism with SOLAS, and guidelines have issued to the ETBs to allow them to enable delivery of the initiative.

Through targeted investment and close cooperation with ETBs and SOLAS, I will continue to work to ensure that learners with disabilities can access education on an equal basis, overcome barriers to participation, and realise their full potential.