Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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991. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans in relation to the ongoing research and planning on the development of assistive technologies to be used to assist therapies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47556/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Government also recognises the serious need to invest in Assistive Technology (AT) due to the projected increase in non-communicable diseases and aging populations. The 2022 Global Report on Assistive Technology (GReAT) published by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) outlines this, stating that an estimated 3.5bn people will need at least one form of AT by 2050 compared to the estimated 2.5bn in 2025.

In March 2024, the Government entered into a €12.524m donor agreement (split evenly over a period of five years) with the WHO to strengthen equitable access to assistive technology globally, with a focus on innovation in people-centred, rights-based service delivery models and harnessing the potential of digital assistive technology (DAT).

In addition, the Department is also progressing a Project Collaboration Agreement with the WHO which is focused on domestic objectives including workforce optimisation through DAT, hosting one of two Global DAT/Workforce Expos in Dublin and the delivery of an independent Assistive Technology Capacity (ATA-C) Review.

The ATA-C will evaluate Ireland’s capacity to provide equitable access to AT and was conducted by technical experts from the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO EUROPE). This process is nearing completion, and the recommendations will submitted to Government by the WHO EUROPE in the coming months and with inform Government on best approaches to improve assistive technology access.

This will, in turn, support the delivery of assistive technology in therapies and assist in identifying the tools needed by clinicians to increase effective service delivery.

In August 2025, the Department and HSE National Clinical Programme for People with Disability (NCPPD) also announced funding of over €1million to the third iteration of the Cooperative Real Engagement for Assistive Technology Enhancement (CREATE) initiative, which supports digital and assistive technology projects for people with disabilities.

CREATE III will focus on two main areas which will further enhance research and the application of assistive technology within our health systems:

1. Design, Demonstrate and Implement Good Assistive Technology Service Delivery
2. Create Accessible Digital Education, Training and Resource Hubs for all Projects