Vol. 527 No. 3
402 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm the facilities that exist in order to assist a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who has particular difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28665/00]
My Department has not, to date, received an application for additional teaching resources to cater for the needs of the pupil in question. Should such an application be received from the authorities of the school in question, it will be considered by my Department.
My Department operates a scheme for the provision of grants for second level schools towards the purchase of equipment for the use of pupils with certain disabilities or communication difficulties. The purpose of the scheme is to provide such pupils with equipment of direct educational benefit to them. This may include computer equipment and software. Under the terms of the scheme the school authorities make an application in respect of an individual pupil. Equipment provided under this scheme remains the property of the school.
My Department also operates a scheme of reasonable accommodations for candidates with special needs at the certificate examinations. Applications for such accommodations are normally invited one year in advance of the examination concerned. These accommodations are granted on a case by case basis depending on the evidence provided in support of the application and include the use of tape recorders, readers and scribes.
