Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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489. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 7 October 2025, when the review of the assistive technology scheme will be completed; and the timeframe recommended changes from this review will come into effect. [63577/25]

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.

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.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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490. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an urgent update on special educational needs provisions for a school (details supplied). [63591/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The school to which the Deputy refers to was granted capital funding for the provision of one Special Educational Needs Classrooms under my Department’s SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme.

The programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects.

KSN has been appointed from my Department’s Framework, to design and tender the project at the school in question. This is a collaborative process between the Project Manager, School Authority and my Department.

Site works has already commenced on site with the expected completion date in Q1 2026.

My Department is fully aware of the urgency in respect of this accommodation and will be working closely with the Project Managers and School Authority to keep it updated on overall project delivery and timelines.