Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 October 2025
395. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the amount of equipment issued under AIMS in 2024, and for the first eight months of 2025; the type of equipment issued, and time it took to for the equipment to be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52796/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA wide range of supports are available through the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM). The Access and Inclusion Model supports children with additional needs to access and meaningfully participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme through 7 levels of universal and targeted supports.
AIM Level 5 provides funding for specialised equipment, appliances or small capital grants towards minor building alterations. A short report from a designated professional is required confirming that the specialised equipment or minor building alterations are necessary to enable the participation of a child in pre-school. Additional information on level 5 can be found at www.aim.gov.ie.
In relation to your queries on level 5 equipment, please see below.
Total number of pieces of equipment issued under AIM was:
• 477 items for 2024 (Jan-Dec)
• 275 items for 2025 (Jan-Aug)
The top 3 categories of equipment distributed through level 5 between January 2024 and August 2025 were:
Specialised seating
Assistive technology
Specialised play equipment.
The average number of days from submission of the application to the delivery of the equipment was 31 days in 2024 (Jan- Dec) and 24 days in 2025 (Jan-Aug).
