Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Wednesday, 15 January 2014

Questions (758)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

758. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when a resolution will be found between the Health Service Executive and his Department as to who is responsible for providing a person (details supplied) in County Cork with an iPad to help them communicate and to assist with their education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55332/13]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The provision of assistive technology for educational purposes to pupils in primary, post primary and special schools is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Education and Skills. I understand that the Department of Education and Skills is currently processing an application for assistive technology support for the child referred to by the Deputy and that Minister Ruairí Quinn will reply directly to the Deputy in this regard.

The Health Service Executive provides funding for communication devices which have a general application outside of the school setting, through its Aids and Appliances Scheme. Funding under this Scheme is dispersed by local HSE services to local community care clinics or voluntary agencies. Information on the Scheme is available from local Health Centres.