From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD hosted an impactful discussion on disability supports in tertiary education today.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including students, parents, educators, disability advocacy groups, employers, and government representatives to initiate a conversation on the future of disability supports and services for students with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, Minister O'Donovan said:
“Today marks a significant step forward in our efforts to ensure that students with disabilities are supported throughout their educational journey and as they transition into the world of work.
“An inclusive tertiary education system that is responsive to student needs is a key priority for me. Students with disabilities should face no barriers to studying alongside their peers.”
The event heard directly from students about the interventions and supports that assisted them most during their time in tertiary education, as well as from a parent who provided an insight into her experience of her daughter with a disability going to college.
The day concluded with a panel discussion on initiatives that are working well in terms of supporting students with disabilities as they move from education to the world of work.
Minister O'Donovan added:
“This event is the start of a process of informing future policy developments and building a framework that offers seamless support for students with disabilities in tertiary education.
“We are gathering valuable insights directly from those who best understand which supports will enable and sustain success in education. The discussion at this event will serve as a foundation for future engagement, collaboration, and partnerships.”
The event builds on progress made under the National Access Plan 2022–2028, as well as specific initiatives such as the provision of courses for students with intellectual disabilities, which commenced this academic year.
The Minister also announced his intention to publish a White Paper outlining policy goals to ensure robust and responsive supports and services for students with disabilities in tertiary education.
Minister O'Donovan said:
“Our conversation today marks the beginning of the process of supporting students with disabilities in a more meaningful way.
“It is our role to help them reach their potential and to ensure that their path from education to employment is no different to that of their peers and family members. We have started laying the foundation for that to happen today.”
About National Access Plan
The fourth National Access Plan (NAP) was published in August 2022 and is a seven-year plan. The plan aligns with and builds on the wider ambitions of the Programme for Government to provide accessible, affordable education to all citizens.
Students with disabilities are still under-represented in higher education, despite increases in numbers and the NAP sets a new participation target of 16% of new entrants by 2028. The current rate of participation is 13.8%, up from 12.4% when the plan was launched.
The NAP places the student at the centre, with everything directed at delivering positive and inclusive outcomes for all students at all stages of their higher education journey.
About Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH)
PATH is a strategic funding programme, established in 2016, for the delivery of equity of access objectives. It supports the implementation of National Access Plan objectives by providing funding to higher education institutions (HEIs) to deliver innovative measures to improve participation and retention of specific target groups in higher education.
About PATH 4 Phase 2
PATH 4 Phase 2 is a three-year pathfinding project to support an enhancement of course provision for students with intellectual disabilities and to inform future policy considerations for students with intellectual disabilities.
Ten institutions were initially approved to run the courses and an eleventh was subsequently approved to improve the geographical spread across the country. It is expected that 160 students will participate in these courses over the academic year 2024/2025.
About Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD)
Additional investment was secured in Budget 2025 for the Fund for Students with Disabilities of €1.5 million. This is an increase of over 18% and will bring the total fund to €9.5 million for 2025.
The purpose of the fund is to provide resources to Institutions for the delivery of key services and supports for students with disabilities on full-time and part-time courses.