Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
616. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education the grants available for parents of children with autism for the provision of educational equipment which can be used in the home; if grants are available for the provision of a sensory room in a private dwelling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17248/21]
View answerProvision of Grant Aid towards the provision of specialist equipment solely for use in the home or for sensory rooms in a private dwelling is outside the remit of my Department and should instead be addressed to the Health Service Executive (HSE). Parents can access information in this through their local Health Centre, contact information is available on www.HSE.ie.
My Department provides funding to schools towards the cost of equipment and specialist software for educational purposes under the Assistive Technology scheme, as 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.
Equipment purchased under the Scheme should normally be kept in the school. However, as stated in Circular 0010/2013, a pupil may, with the consent of the management authority, use the equipment at home.
