Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The Assistive Technology Scheme, details of which can be accessed at: Assistive Technology Grant , is provided by my Department to supplement the overall approach to provide funding to schools for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who require essential specialist equipment in order to access the school curriculum.

It is vital that all learners have the opportunity to reach their potential, with digital technologies providing the means to overcome traditional barriers to learning, and to support inclusion across education.

Additional €2 million funding was secured in Budget 2023 for this scheme. This represents an increase of almost 60% on funding allocated previously to this essential support. This increased allocation supports my Department’s commitment to ensure that a full range of resources, not just teachers and SNAs, are available to support children who most need it.

The National Council for Special Education (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 my Department where assistive technology/specialised equipment is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support.

In order 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 in order to allow the student to access the curriculum. It must also be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs.

Schools make applications directly to the 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 professional reports provided in support of same, in order 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.

Although equipment is sanctioned under the Assistive Technology scheme for use by particular students, it is the property of the school, and the school’s management authority is responsible for maintenance, repair, and insurance of the equipment. Where the school has no further requirement for the equipment or where a pupil transfers to a different school, the SENO will review on a case by case basis and may allocate it to another school in the interests of meeting needs to the greatest extent possible. This is done at a local level before a decision if equipment should be transferred to a different school.

On enrolment in a different school, it is open to that school to apply for assistive technology for the pupil where it is clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs.

All schools have the contact details of their local SENO, and parents are encouraged to discuss their children's needs with the SENO whose contact details can be accessed at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.

Officials from my Department will reach out to the school and local SENO with the view to reaching a positive outcome to this case.