Skip to main content
Normal View

Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021

Wednesday, 17 February 2021

Questions (432)

Pauline Tully

Question:

432. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the reason a child (details supplied) has been refused the grant for assistive technology even though it is deemed necessary by their teachers and occupational therapist and signed off by the SENO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8504/21]

View answer

Written answers

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating Resource Teachers and Special Needs Assistants to schools to support children with special educational needs. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The NCSE has advised my Department that the pupil in question does not meet my Department's criteria for the allocation of Assistive Technology.

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.

It is open to the school to appeal this decision. The appeals process is outlined on my Department’s website at the following link: https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/Grants-and-Additional-Support/Assistive-Technology-Grant/

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact the SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. It is open to the school and/or parents to contact the SENO in the context of supports that may be available to support the pupil in question.

Top
Share