Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
9. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education and Youth in relation to grants for assistive technology for students, whether there are plans to increase the funding for this scheme, update or change the criteria for this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53968/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to grants for assistive technology for students, are there plans to increase the funding for the scheme or to update or change its criteria? The Minister is aware of what brought this to my attention. It is a ten-year-old boy from north County Louth with dyslexia. Following assessment, it was found he would benefit from a computer and assistive technology but who is not eligible for the grant. I have discussed this with the Minister. We need to find a solution and to look at the overall criteria. There are wider issues as regards AAC also.
I thank the Deputy for his engagement in relation to this issue. The assistive technology scheme supplements the overall funding provided to schools for digital technology and equipment. It supports children who require essential specialised equipment to access the school curriculum.
Assistive technology is a critical enabler for students with special educational needs, allowing them to benefit fully from the modern, technological-focused education system. The Department of Education and Youth recognises the significant benefits of assistive technology in school settings, particularly for students with more complex needs. It supports access to the curriculum and encourages classroom participation and positive educational outcomes. Under the current scheme, schools receive funding towards computers and specialised equipment required for educational purposes. To qualify, a student must have a diagnosis of a physical or commutative disability and a professional assessment confirming the equipment is essential to access the curriculum. The review of the assistive technology scheme is at its final stages and has culminated in a new circular which I expect to announce in September 2026.
A key outcome is a planned move from a diagnosis-based model to a needs-based approach. This will give schools greater autonomy to determine when assistive technology is required, reduce administrative burdens and improve timely access to supports. A streamlined application process is also being developed for implementation. These changes aim to deliver a more responsive, effective and child-centred scheme. The Department will continue to routinely examine the level of grant aid payable under the assistive technology scheme to ensure that the level remains appropriate and aligned with the needs of children who require assistance. Ultimately, any child who needs assistive technology to access the curriculum will receive it. In line with the policy and funding parameters of the scheme, promoting assistive technologies is a programme for Government commitment and a key ministerial priority.
We will all be very interested to see what the new circular is. The Minister of State said it will be announced in September. A needs-based system is what we need. I would like to think the young boy I talked about would be able to avail of this. I will use him as an example. The correct assessments were carried out. The Wechsler abbreviated scale of intelligence stated that his verbal comprehension was very low, perceptual reasoning was low average and full-scale IQ was very low. The Wechsler individual assessment test ranked his word reading as extremely low. It stated that he was presented with a list of words to read, he should be commended on his hard work and that this task was very difficult for him. His word reading skills were in the extremely low range for his age.
This does not make a lot of sense to me. I would say the Minister of State would agree. It is about ensuring that we have a more fit-for-purpose grant scheme and that the likes of this boy will be sorted by it.
By way of background, 85% of the applications processed for assistive technology between January and June have been approved. We are always conscious of those who fall outside the scheme. Hence, the drawing up of the new circular to ensure that we are taking into account students and children who are outside of the scheme but who would greatly benefit from it. The Deputy has spoken to me a number of times about the child in question. I understand the challenges that are there as well. The aim of the new circular the Department is creating is to ensure that we will accommodate every child who would benefit greatly from the scheme, that the administrative burden on schools and school communities is reduced and that we make the scheme more streamlined. We expect to issue the circular in September 2026.
We just need to make sure that the circular is fit for purpose and that the young primary school child to whom I refer will be given the supports he requires.
I will just finish reading from the communication to which I referred earlier. It states:
[His] attainments and cognitive profile do not confer eligibility for an application for an Assistive Technology grant. However, he would benefit from availing of a laptop or device in school or indeed at home. [He] should be encouraged to develop his typing skills as this will be of huge support to him when he transitions to secondary school in a few years' time. He should also be encourage to use the 'dictate' function in Word, and this will also be useful for him when completing school projects.
That is the reality of the assistive technology fund. Assistive technology would be of real benefit. We also know that it must be authorised by the Department in order that it can be availed of for exams and all the rest of it. At this point, he would require that to avail of the curriculum, which is what the assistive technology grant scheme is there for. The Minister of State says the scheme is being updated. Could he outline the level of funding that will be in it?
We are very conscious of the issue. A huge number of groups that I have met over the past while, particularly on the dyslexia side, have all been discussing assistive technologies. That is also the case for children who are non-communicative and non-verbal. Assistive technologies are extremely important for them.
The Department set out to compile a new curriculum because of the challenges and parameters within the old curriculum to ensure that we are reaching as many students as possible. We fundamentally believe that this is hugely important. Funding right across the Government is subject to discussion not just on Question Time; we have to also discuss it in the context of the forthcoming budget. We are quite well aware of the impact that funding through the assistive technology scheme has on young people. It enables them to go to primary school and then on to post-primary school as well.
Will it be in operation from September?
Yes, from September.
