Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2013
112. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an assistive technology application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51701/13]
View answerI 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. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support, which is set out in my Department's Circular 0010/2013. 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. I can advise the Deputy that an application for assistive technology support for the child referred to in this question has been received in my Department. I understand that my officials will be issuing a decision on this application as soon as quotations regarding the cost of the recommended equipment are received from the school in question.
