Louth's Ó Murchú calls for person-centred support model for learners

A person-centred support model for learners in further and higher education who have disabilities is needed, along with better pay and conditions for the personal assistants who help them, Louth TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has said.

The Sinn Féin deputy was speaking during questions to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, James Lawless, where he asked what work was being carried out to examine how best a person-centred support model for learners can be developed across further and higher education.

He said: “I refer particularly to personal assistants working in further education colleges like Drogheda Institute of Further Education, DIFE, and the Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education and the need for contracts for them.”

Minister Lawless said the government viewed the participation and success of learners with disabilities as a critical national priority. The programme for access to higher education, PATH, 4 funding stream has received increased funding for learners with intellectual disabilities.

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Deputy Ó Murchú said personal assistants provide ‘vital support’ to learners with disabilities in further and higher education settings and said that while an hourly pay increase had been introduced last year, there are a number of outstanding issues referred to the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court and the matter has not concluded.

He said: “The only way this can become sustainable to allow these people to offer the services to those with disabilities is by putting a proper 52-week contract in place.

“Following our conversation last week, and not for the first time, I have requested a meeting with the PAs. If the union Fórsa and everybody else could be there, we could settle that and face in the right direction of providing sustainable employment and delivering for those with disabilities”.

Minister Lawless said that while progress has been made, elements are still in dispute. He said: “That conciliation process is ongoing and the State has engaged the industrial relations machinery with the various referrals. I am keen to engage on it and keen to facilitate that meeting.

“The Minister of State, Deputy Harkin, may also engage with me, along with the Deputy.” Minister Lawless added, “I just need to make sure it is appropriate in the context of the industrial relations process that is live. I will take advice on that but if I can do it, I will.”