Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
492. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will examine a case (details supplied) whereby a school is looking to upgrade the furniture in an autism class, but cannot access an available grant as they are not a newly opened class; what grants are available for long-standing autism classes looking to upgrade their furniture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56577/23]
View answerThe Furniture & Equipment Scheme to which the Deputy refers provides for new specialised furniture and equipment as appropriate. Due to the specialised nature of this furniture and equipment My Department cannot give approval for a general list of items, as each child has individual requirements. Therefore it is essential that the school to which the deputy refers obtains a report from an Occupational Therapist (OT) from the HSE for each individual child, to assess their specific needs. While I appreciate that this may take more time it is important that each child receives an individual assessment as their needs may vary and an OT report will identify any additional furniture or equipment that some children may require above and beyond the new desks referred to in this instance.
