Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2026
92. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the mechanisms in place for schools to seek funding for a large scale communication board (details supplied) to support students, particularly those with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40510/26]
View answerEnabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided. This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which promotes that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
Under 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, which are required for educational purposes.
The equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment.
The scheme provides grant aid to schools to purchase equipment to provide for the needs of individual pupils taking into account their assessed individual medical needs. Applications for assistive technology support for groups of pupils are not considered under this scheme.
Communication devices or medical or therapy-related devices which are not specific educational interventions or equipment specifically required as essential for school educational access and which have a general application outside of school, are not provided for under the Assistive Technology Scheme. Such equipment is normally provided for children with disabilities by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to achieve their full potential.
