Accurate information on the level of disability will be compiled under the direction of a new professorship being established at UCD.
The college hopes "an internationally distinguished figure" will fill the post, the first chair of disability studies in the Republic, and that the person appointed will take up duty next autumn.
The position is funded by the National Disability Authority (NDA) which believes accurate information on the needs of the disabled is required to co-ordinate policy.
NDA director Dr Arthur O'Reilly said chairs of disability studies elsewhere had helped to spearhead research and policy development.
"One of the main aims of this chair is to help all students understand and work to overcome barriers to full participation in society of people with disabilities, who are estimated to make up 10 per cent of the population," he said.
The NDA presented a cheque for £500,000 to UCD to fund the professorship over the next five years.
