Seán Sherlock
Ceist:33. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if there is any discretion available on a matter (details supplied). [21935/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 15 May 2024
Ceisteanna (33)
Freagraí scríofa
I refer to your representation on behalf of a student attending the relevant School.
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, which are required for educational purposes.
All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), are responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. SENOs will review the application, and professional reports provided in support of same, in order to establish whether the criteria of the scheme has been met. They will then make a recommendation to my Department as to whether or not assistive technology is required; and based on this recommendation, my Department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria, in making recommendations for support. Schools make applications directly to the appropriate SENO, providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions.
In order to qualify for equipment under the assistive technology scheme, a child must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the child to access the curriculum. It must also be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs, and where necessary, schools may also purchase new or additional equipment or software for students from normal school resources or funds.
Based on the professional information provided to the SENO and in line with criteria set out in Circular 10/2013, the SENO was not in a position to recommend an assistive technology grant for the school concerned on behalf of the student. The reason the application for assistive technology grant for the student concerned could not be recommended by the SENO was that the information provided does not confirm a diagnosed disability or medical condition in line with Department of Education policy circulars.
It is open to the school to appeal this decision. The appeals process is outlined on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/237c68-assistive-technology-grant/
Separately, where an appeal has been unsuccessful, but new information becomes available, it is open to the school to submit a new application to the SENO for consideration.
It is also open to parents to contact SENOs directly to discuss their child’s special educational needs, using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/seno-contact-information