Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 November 2025
146. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline the availability of Irish language assistive technologies for students who require them and are in Irish-medium education. [64283/25]
View answerUnder the Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment required for educational purposes.
All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment. It must be clear that the existing ICT equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child’s needs. Where necessary, schools may also purchase new or additional equipment or software for students from normal school resources or funds.
The Assistive Technology Scheme operates as a grant scheme. It provides funding for equipment that is essential for a student to access the curriculum. If a piece of equipment is required, regardless of the language in which it operates, and it meets the criteria of the scheme, it will be sanctioned. The Department does not maintain a list of Assistive Technologies, including those available in Irish, as the type of technology required can vary and depends on an individual child's needs.
