2847. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans in relation to the ongoing research and planning on the development of assistive technologies to be used to assist therapies and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59870/26]

In April 2026, we launched the Assistive Technology Capacity Assessment (ATA-C) Report for Ireland. The ATA-C Report for Ireland is the most comprehensive review to date of Ireland’s assistive technology provision. It was conducted by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe between 2024 and 2025.

The report found that Ireland is strongly committed to funding Assistive Technology through a variety of schemes and innovative pilot programmes. It underscores the very positive progress Ireland has made in recent years in expanding access to Assistive Technology and identifies ways in which this access could be strengthened.

The report also outlines 45 recommendations from the World Health Organization in how the Ireland can improve its approach to assistive technology across the dimensions of products, provision, personnel, policy and people (WHO-GATE 5P Framework).

The Department is currently reviewing these recommendations and will work with stakeholders in the coming months through the establishment of a strategic focus network in order to obtain feedback on how we can best implement the recommendations in line with existing strategies such as the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030.

The Department also continues to work with the World Health Organization on plans for a Global Expo to be held in Dublin in February 2027. A core component of the Expo includes a scientific conference which will provide a global forum for sharing the latest research, policy, practice and innovation in health and social care workforce transformation, assistive technology and disability-inclusive health systems.