Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
61. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his Department’s strategy regarding the development and utilisation of digital and assistive technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28469/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAction 53 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) commits to developing proposals to address access to, or affordability of necessary aids, appliances or assistive technologies required for everyday living, for those people with disabilities whose entry, retention or return to work could be jeopardised due to being unable to afford these items. This action is being led by my Department, with support from the National Disability Authority.
In order to progress Action 53, an Assistive Technology Ad Hoc Working Group was established, to meet as often as may be necessary. The group includes membership from a number of Government Departments, the National Disability Authority and independent experts who bring both lived and professional expertise to the group.
An initial meeting of the Assistive Technology Working Group took place in February 2020. However, following the emergence of COVID-19, the work of the group was paused. The group re-convened in June 2021 to agree a Terms of Reference and met most recently in September 2021.
The Working Group is focused on developing practical and implementable recommendations for improving the accessibility and affordable of assistive technologies, and operates in the general structure of the NDIS. A Steering Group oversees the implementation of the Strategy itself, which I chair.
