Vol. 537 No. 5
521 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the additional support which can be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W for 2002; if a computer package will be given to the school for this pupil and other pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16541/01]
The pupil in question is currently receiving five hours per week resource teaching support and 18 hours per week special needs assistant support.
My Department has not received an application for additional resource teaching support for the pupil in question. However, if the school authorities wish to submit an application for increased support for this child, the matter will certainly be considered.
Applications for funding for the purchase of special equipment, including computer equipment, are considered on the basis of the assessed needs of the individual child or children involved. An application for computer equipment in respect of the pupil in question and a number of other special needs pupils attending the same school was considered by my Department's inspectorate in April 2000. A grant of £1,500 for computer equipment was allocated by my Department on that occasion in respect of two of the pupils involved in the application. It was considered that the needs of the remaining pupils, including the pupil referred to by the Deputy, did not warrant the allocation of funding for computer equipment at that time.
However, I have asked my Department's inspectorate to review the needs of the child in question. As soon as the inspectorate's report is received, my Department will be in touch with the school authorities on the matter.
522 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give immediate sanction for a computer room at a school (details supplied) where only two of the six years of students have access to computers in consequence of being confined to a room capable of housing only 12 computers; and if he will arrange that greater priority in IT2000 be placed on accommo dation to facilitate use of such equipment. [16553/01]
My Department recently received an application from the school to which the Deputy refers for the provision of a dedicated computer room. The school management authority has been requested to provide further information in order for my Department to progress this project.
