Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
544. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Education and Youth her Department’s current policy on the provision of assistive technology for students with special educational needs, including dyslexia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14649/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra545. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of applications received by the National Council for Special Education for assistive technology supports in each of the last five years; the number approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14650/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra546. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current average processing time for assistive technology applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14651/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 544 to 546, inclusive, together.
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. This includes children with dyslexia and others who require essential specialist equipment to access the school curriculum.
The Assistive Technology Scheme is provided by my department to supplement the overall approach to providing funding to schools for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children who require essential specialist equipment in order to access the school curriculum. It must also 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 NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. SENOs also make recommendations to the department where assistive technology/ specialised equipment is required. The NCSE operates within the department's criteria in making recommendations for support.
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.
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.
SENOs will review the application and 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 the assistive technology is required or not. Based on this recommendation, my department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
The following are the number of applications received and recommended by the NCSE for assistive technology supports in each of the last five years:
|
Calendar Year |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
|
No of applications for assistive technology received by NCSE |
8,895 |
8,055 |
7,675 |
6,845 |
6,373 |
|
No of applications recommended |
7,312 |
6,328 |
5,633 |
4,905 |
4,607 |
My department is currently processing a high volume of Assistive Technology applications. The number of applications has increased significantly in recent years, with approximately twice as much equipment sanctioned in 2023 compared with 2018 (i.e. 3,850). The average processing time for applications received by the department in 2025 was 39 working days.
My department would also like to reassure the deputy that applications for equipment for students with hearing and/or visual impairments are prioritised and there is currently no delay in the processing these applications. Sixth class pupils are also being prioritised to ensure that equipment is in place to assist with their transition to post-primary school. All other applications will be processed in accordance with the date that recommendations are received in the department by the SENO.
Officials in my department are currently undertaking a review of the Assistive Technology Scheme, with one of the key goals being to streamline the application process. As part of the review, all aspects of the application process are being examined. This includes the refund process, where consideration is being given to providing funds to schools in advance of equipment purchases. Not only will this change aim to streamline the application process, but it will expedite the time in which children who require assistive technology receive their equipment.
