1229. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of applications for assistive technology in Dublin that were granted in each of the years from 2022 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form. [56213/26]

Under the Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my Department's Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment required by students for educational purposes.

The scheme supplements the overall funding available for digital technology and equipment and supports children who require essential specialist equipment to access the school curriculum. For children with more complex disabilities who require such equipment and where it is not already available to them through existing school provisions, schools may apply for support under the Assistive Technology Scheme.

To qualify for assistive technology equipment, a student must have a diagnosed physical or communicative disability and a recommendation in a professional assessment confirming that the equipment is essential to enable the student to access the curriculum.

Schools submit applications directly to their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO), providing details of the student's special educational needs or disability and outlining the interventions already undertaken by the school. SENOs review applications and supporting professional reports to determine whether the criteria of the scheme have been met and make a recommendation to the Department. Based on this recommendation, the Department determines the level of grant support, if any, to be provided.

The number of applications for Assistive Technology in County Dublin and the number recommended by SENOs in each year from 2022 to 2025, together with figures to date in 2026, are set out in the table below:

*Applications up to 24th July 2026