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Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019

Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Questions (201)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

201. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding is available for technology for children with disabilities who are home schooled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17709/19]

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Written answers

My Department’s policy is to provide for a range of services and supports to recognised schools to ensure that children with special educational needs can have access to an education appropriate to their needs.

These supports include additional teaching and care support, enhanced capitation, specialist school transport arrangements, assistive technology and/or specialist equipment, adaptations for school buildings where necessary and additional training for teachers of children with special educational needs.

In relation to providing special educational needs supports to schools the relevant legislation which underpins this Department’s policy is Section 10 of the Education Act, 1998, which explains that a recognised school means a school which is recognised by the Minister under the Act.

Furthermore, under the EPSEN Act 2004, ‘school’ means a recognised school and “student”, in relation to a school, means a person enrolled at the school within the meaning of the Education Act.

Students that are not enrolled in recognised schools are not comprehended under the provision of services by the National Council for Special Education as specified under section 7 (3) of the EPSEN Act.

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 making recommendations for 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 IT equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs.

My Department is unable to provide funding for assistive technology for pupils that are not attending a recognised school. 

The Department's preferred approach is that, where possible, children are educated in school settings where they may have access to individualised education programmes, fully-qualified professional teachers, special needs assistants, the appropriate school curriculum with the option, where possible and appropriate, of full or partial integration and interaction with other pupils.  

Under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 parents are responsible for making sure their child receives an education.  Under this legislation, every child between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend school or otherwise receive an education.  Most children attend recognised schools although some are educated at home or in non-recognised schools. If a parent decides to educate their child outside of a recognised school, for example in the home, they must register the child with the Child and Family Agency; further information is available on www.tusla.ie in this regard. This requirement exists in order to support parents in their right to home educate and to safeguard a child’s right to a minimum education, as provided for in the constitution.

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