Disability fund will meet demand, claims department

THE Department of Education says a 20% cut to a fund for students with disabilities will leave enough money to meet demand, just three months after telling another department it could seriously affect numbers taking up college places.

A group promoting college access for disabled students has warned that the €2.8 million cut from the fund for students with disabilities (FSD) will reverse the progress made in recent years.

The €13.7m fund supported about 6,000 students in the past year, up from 4,964 the previous academic year, enabling colleges to provide equipment, special materials, technology and transport for those with a range of disabilities and learning difficulties.