Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 4

Written Answers. - Special Education Needs.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

76 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to an application for a Braille personal computer for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14 who was refused entry to her local school and for whom her Department currently provides funding for some extra-curricular lessons; her views on the fact that without access to the Braille personal computer, this person will probably not develop at the same level as her peers up to sixth class; if she will consider the request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9469/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am aware of the application referred to by the Deputy.

I am not aware that the child in question has been refused entry to her local school.

My Department provides specialised equipment to ordinary primary schools for use by pupils with special education needs. Funding for such equipment is allocated on the basis of priority of need and subject to resource availability.

I understand that my Department has already made some special equipment available to the child in question. However, I have asked my Department's inspectorate to investigate this particular case and to make recommendations on the child's equipment needs.