Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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18. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the review of the assistive technology scheme; if her Department plans to move away from diagnosis-based eligibility criteria; when the new application portal will be launched; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59754/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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The Assistive Technology Scheme supplements the overall approach to providing funding to schools for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children who require essential specialist equipment in order to access the school curriculum.

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is currently finalising a review of this scheme to ensure it is effectively supporting the children it is intended to serve, and that resources are being allocated as efficiently as possible.

There has been widespread consultation in relation to the scheme and the consensus from stakeholders was that the application system needs to be quicker and easier and that all of the children who need assistive technology to access the curriculum should receive it.

I agree with this, and I can confirm the scheme will, rightly, be moving from a diagnosis-based approach to a needs-based approach. This will grant schools greater autonomy in determining whether a child requires assistive technology to access the curriculum.

In addition, the application process is being streamlined so that children can get the equipment in the shortest time possible. This will be a simpler process for schools by way of a new portal for schools to submit applications. This portal is currently under development and is intended to be rolled out as soon as possible.

I expect the review to be finalised before the end of this year, and in advance of this I'm pleased to say that I have secured additional funding for this scheme in Budget 2026 to recognise the growing need for assistive technology in our schools.