Joe Carey
Question:58. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education her views on the assistive technology scheme; if she will provide an update on the review of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49870/22]
View answerTuesday, 11 October 2022
Questions (58)
Oral answers (6 contributions)
I ask the Minister for her views on the assistive technology scheme and if she will provide an update on the review of the scheme.
I thank the Deputy for the question. This is particularly important vis-à-vis my role as Minister of State with responsibility for special education. Many children have difficulty reaching their potential without access to digital technologies. We need to provide these to them so that they can overcome traditional barriers to learning, and to support inclusion across the system.
The assistive technology scheme is provided by the Department to supplement the overall approach. The overall approach is the digital strategy for schools to 2027, with €200 million committed over the period, €50 million of which has already been given to schools. The equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who require essential specialist equipment in order to access the school curriculum.
I am delighted that this year I was able to increase that funding by €2 million in budget 2023, which represents an increase of almost 60% on funding allocated to it previously. Last year it was €3.5 million and the additional €2 million brings it to €5.5 million, which will go a long way to helping children with additional needs avail of such technological assistance when required.
In 2021, a total of 3,766 students benefited from this scheme, 62 of whom are in the Deputy's constituency of Clare. The review is ongoing and we expect it to be completed by mid-2023. This process will have a consultative element and relevant stakeholders will be invited to participate. It is important for the entire digital strategy to be embedded in digital technologies across all learning for children with additional needs.
I acknowledge how important the assistive technology scheme is for those students. I recognise the Minister of State's work in securing an additional €2 million for the programme, bringing it up to €5.5 million. The number of students throughout the country who benefit from the scheme is 3,766, including 62 students in County Clare. The Minister of State has given an indicative timeframe for the review to conclude by May 2023. What type of work will take place between now and when the Minister of State hopes to have the review published? When will the recommendations of the review be implemented?
As I have mentioned, the review is ongoing and we expect it to be completed by mid-2023. It will involve a consultative element. There will be consultation with relevant stakeholders and we will be inviting them to participate. It is really important that we stay on top of technological advances all the time and that we are forward thinking with the technological assistance we can give to children with additional educational needs. Examples include laptops with modified software and audiological support for students with hearing impairments. Braille is also available. Children with more complex disabilities require essential specialist equipment to access the school curriculum. Schools not in a position to provide assistance to them through their normal resources may apply to the National Council for Special Education under the terms of the scheme.
Students with physical or communicative disabilities are among our most vulnerable students. It is imperative that we continue to adapt this important scheme to ensure we meet the needs of all those students. I accept what the Minister of State has just said. The addition of the €2 million is significant, representing a 60% increase. I very much look forward to the outcome of the review and I ask the Minister of State to keep me informed because this issue is very important to many families who have students who are vulnerable.
I will, of course, keep the Deputy informed.
In County Clare also, there are 47 special classes. Two were opened this September. There are also 15 special classes at post-primary level, two of which were opened this year. A number of the children in those special classes in County Clare and throughout the country probably will be looking for assistance. It is important to stress the school management authorities must apply and qualify for the assistive technology scheme. As Deputy Carey stated, a student must be diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must have a recommendation as part of a professional assessment that the equipment is essential to allow the student to access the curriculum. Overall, the fact we have extra funding of €2 million in the budget means extra supports will be available for the children. When we visit schools, it is incredible to see children with additional needs progressing and being able to learn through technological devices in a way they might not have been able to do in the absence of such support.