Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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47. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to delays in processing applications in the assistive technology scheme (details supplied); her plans to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27312/24]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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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.

All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment.

My Department and the NCSE has received a large volume of Assistive technology applications that are currently being processed. There has been a large increase in applications for Assistive Technology over the last number of years, with approximately double the amount of equipment being sanctioned in 2023 compared to 2018. Special education are currently reviewing the Assistive Technology Scheme, with streamlining the application process one of the key goals of this review.

Officials from my Department have contacted staff within the NCSE with in view to progressing this application.