Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021
246. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education the number of appeals lodged in the past 12 months in relation to the amount awarded for assistive technology applications; the number of those appeals that were successful; the average length of time an appeal will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49023/21]
View answerThe 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 applications for assistive technology.
SENOs then make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support, as set out in Circular 0010/2013 which is published on my Department’s website. www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0010_2013.pdf
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.
My Department reviews the application with consideration given to the documentation provided, the criteria set out in Circular 0010/2013 and the SENOr’s observations and recommendations.
Should an application be refused it is open to the school to appeal this decision. The appeals process is outlined on my Department’s website at the following link: www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/Grants-and-Additional-Support/Assistive-Technology-Grant .
There were 26 appeals lodged for post-primary schools in the past 12 months in relation to the awarding of assistive technology applications of which 2 were successful. Generally the length of time it takes to process an appeal can be between 1 to 4 weeks.
Separately, where an appeal has been unsuccessful, but new information becomes available, it is open to the school to submit a new application to the SENO for consideration.
