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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today announced additional funding to help students with a disability access third level education.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education will be topped up in 2024 by 5%, bringing the total to €8 million for the first time ever.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said:
“Since I took office, I have always been working to make sure educational pathways should be available to all individuals no matter their socio-economic background, ethnicity, gender, geographical location, disability or other circumstances.
“Students with disabilities are still underrepresented in Higher Education at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and as a result are one of the key target groups in the new National Access Plan. Thankfully, we are seeing a welcome increase in the number of students with a disability entering Higher Education year on year but we have much more we want to do.
“Funding of €2 million was also secured in Budget 2024 to expand the scope of the FSD in Further Education where it currently applies to students on PLC courses and tertiary degree programmes. SOLAS is examining options in relation to the progressive roll-out of FSD from next year.
“We have made huge inroads in assisting students with disabilities access primary and secondary education. It is absolutely essential third level education can make the same strides over the coming years.”
The Fund for Students with a Disability is one of the main funding sources supporting participation by students with disabilities in approved further and higher education courses in Ireland.
The increase in the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) in Higher Education is 5% or just under €383,000. This will bring the total funding available in 2024 to €8,040,900”.
The extra funding being announced will help students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels who require specific and tailored support such as personal assistants, transport and assistive technology.