Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. In line with the progressing disability services model, 93 children’s disability network teams are aligned to 96 community healthcare networks across the country and provide services and supports for children from birth to 18 years of age. Part of services provided by CDNTs and primary care services includes assessment for, prescription, provision and training for children and families in the use of required assistive technologies, which include augmentative and alternative communication.

One of the 60 actions included in the HSE’s Roadmap for Service Improvement 2023–2026: Disability Services for Children and Young People is to review access to assistive devices to ensure consistency across all CHOs and CDNTs. In that regard, the Department and HSE are progressing work with WHO/Europe on a collaborative agreement on digital assistive technology. This partnership will include three core streams of work covering a review of Ireland’s assistive technology capacity through a multi-stakeholder approach and development of an assistive products list, the development of workforce optimisation initiatives using digital tools focusing on assessments and intervention, and progressing two global DAT-workforce expos, with the first hosted by Ireland in 2026.

While this is under way, the HSE is funding AsIAm to help this organisation administer the AAC programme communication devices, which include tablets and other electronic devices provided to people with autism to support their communication needs. The HSE has committed €1 million to AsIAm to be allocated to programme running costs, including staff recruitment, software utilisation costs and procurement of an estimated 511 AAC devices such as tablets. The next phase of implementation follows the completion of consultation, procurement and recruitment processes to support the operational phase of delivery.

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