4232. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on timelines, budgets and the terms of reference for a review of disability issues across further and higher education settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59346/26]

I believe the Deputy may be referring to my Department’s Disability Project, initiated in 2025, to inform the development of a policy framework for a more flexible, responsive, and tailored model of supports and services for students with disabilities

The Disability Project supports delivery of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People (NHRSDP) 2025–2030. Its purpose is to drive targeted actions that enhance access, inclusion, and progression for disabled learners in tertiary education.

The Disability Project is underway with a focus on enhancing supports and services for students with disabilities across further and higher education.

My Department is working closely with the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality through a cross-departmental working group focused on transitions. The objective of this group is to develop a national transitions policy by year’s end, to support a more coordinated approach across Government.

Dedicated stakeholder engagements on transitions were held in March and May, involving relevant Departments, agencies and a wider range of stakeholders, including Disabled Persons Organisations. Further stakeholder engagement is expected by end Q3.

The project is also examining how students with disabilities can be better supported to access meaningful work experience and to transition successfully into sustainable employment following their studies, in line with a mainstream-first approach.

Further work planned under the project includes a comprehensive mapping of disability supports and services across further and higher education settings, which is due to commence in Q4 2026 and will inform the next phase of policy development.

To further strengthen the Department's capacity in this area, a Disability Policy Advisor commenced work with my Department in Q2 2026, supporting the ongoing development of the project and stakeholder engagement activities.

Engagement with students with disabilities, advocacy organisations and the further and higher education sectors will remain central to the project as it progresses and a priority for my Department in 2026.

Expenditure for the project is met from within my Department's existing allocation with the scope and programme of works developing on an ongoing basis as the project progresses.