John Browne
Question:114. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills when an application for an iPad will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford [45043/12]
View answerWednesday, 17 October 2012
Questions (114)
Written answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required. 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. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I understand that the NCSE will be in a position shortly to forward a completed application to my Department in respect of the pupil in question. The application, when received, will be processed and a decision will issue to the school as quickly as possible thereafter.