Claire Kerrane
Ceist:494. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department fully covers the cost of assistive technology advised for students in schools. [72274/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 16 December 2025
Ceisteanna (494)
Freagraí scríofa
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.
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 I.T. 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, provided by my department, supplements the overall funding approach for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children who require essential specialist equipment to access the school curriculum. For children with more complex disabilities who require such equipment to access the school curriculum, which they do not already have or which cannot be provided for them through the schools' existing provisions, schools can apply for this equipment under the terms of the Assistive Technology Scheme.
To do this, schools make applications directly to their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO), providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions.
To qualify for equipment under the Assistive Technology Scheme, a student must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential to allow the student to access the curriculum.
SENOs will review the application, and professional reports provided in support of same, to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my department as to whether or not assistive technology is required; and based on this recommendation, my department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
The level of funding granted depends on the type of equipment requested and the information submitted by the school in support of the application, such as quotes and other documentation. In the vast majority of Assistive Technology applications, the Department sanctions sufficient funding to cover the cost of the required equipment.
Where an Assistive Technology grant has been sanctioned, but the school wishes to appeal the amount of the grant, or the specific equipment for which sanction has been granted, the can do so using the following appeal form: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/assistive-technology-appeal-by-school-form.pdf.