Local Fianna Fáil Senator Erin McGreehan has welcomed the roll-out of higher education courses for students with an intellectual disability.
The courses are to be delivered in 10 higher education colleges across the country and will provide significant opportunities for students.
In addition, the Government has announced €1.8 million for inclusion measures including to roll out sensory maps of college campuses to support autistic learners and for anti-racism measures particularly to challenge racism for members of the Traveller and Roma communities.
Welcoming this announcement Senator McGreehan said, ” Fianna Fáil is committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals.
“Up until now, courses have been limited in location and availability but this investment will help change that and ensure there is equality of opportunity for every person in our country.
“The programmes are spanned over 10 different higher education institutions and are due to commence in academic year 2024/25. I understand that approximately 150 students can be expected to enrol in the first year of provision.”
Senator McGreehan concluded by saying that students will apply directly to the college involved and there will be specific pastoral and financial supports available.
The colleges include Atlantic Technological University, University of Galway, Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Munster Technological University and South East Technological University.
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