Emer Currie
Ceist:646. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth to consider introducing a special education equipment grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12280/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 17 February 2026
Ceisteanna (646)
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.
The Assistive Technology Scheme 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 Assistive Technology Scheme.
Under the terms of this scheme, to qualify for assistive technology equipment, a student must be 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.
Schools make application 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.
SENOs will review the application and the supporting professional reports to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my department as to whether assistive technology is required. Based on this recommendation, my department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
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).