Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 November 2016
51. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) has applied for a defibrillator to ensure the safety of a child at the school; the outcome of that request; if alternative funding is available; his Department’s approach to making funding available to children with life threatening conditions in mainstream schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34883/16]
View answerMy Department provides funding to schools towards the cost of assistive technology, for pupils in Primary, Post Primary and Special schools, for personal computers and specialist software for educational purposes under the Assistive Technology scheme, as set out in my Department's Circular 0010/2013. Equipment is provided under the scheme for children with more complex disabilities who require essential specialist equipment to access the school curriculum, which they do not already have, or which cannot be provided for them through the school's existing provisions.
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, including assistive technology. SENOs make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required.
Under the terms of the Assistive Technology scheme, a defibrillator could not be considered to be Assistive Technology as it is a device used for medical reasons rather than for educational purposes. Technology required for medical purposes is outside the remit of my Department.
Queries relating to medical aids and appliances should be addressed to the Health Service Executive (HSE). It is open to the school and the child's parents to contact the local Health Centre in this regard using contact information available on www.HSE.ie .
