Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
426. 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. [50068/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is vital that all learners have the opportunity to reach their potential, with digital technologies providing the means to overcome traditional barriers to learning, and to support inclusion across the system.
The Assistive Technology Scheme is provided by my Department to supplement 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 with more complex disabilities who require essential specialist equipment in order to access the school curriculum.
An additional €2 million funding has been secured in Budget 2023 for this scheme. This represents an increase of almost 60% on funding allocated previously to this essential support.
Assistive technology is a critical enabler for those with special educational needs to gain the maximum benefit from a modern technologically focused education system and this increased allocation shows the Departments continued commitment to ensuring that a full range of resources, not just teachers and SNAs, are available to support children who most need it.
3766 students have benefited from this scheme in 2021. A review of this scheme has initiated to ensure that it is working for these children and that the resources are allocated appropriately and as efficiently as possible. The review in ongoing and is expected to complete by mid-2023. This process will have a consultative element and relevant stakeholders will be invited to participate.
Last April, my Department announced the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and associated grant funding for all recognised primary and post-primary schools for digital technology infrastructure.
This strategy will advance the embedding of digital technologies across teaching, learning and assessment, building on the work under previous strategies. It aims to further support the school system so that all students across our schools have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to navigate an ever-evolving digital world successfully.
As part of this strategy an ICT Grant will be provided to schools, with €200 million committed over the period of the Strategy, €50m of which has already been provided to schools. This approach facilitates multi-annual planning by schools to allow them to plan effectively for all of their children.
