Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012
260 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application for a laptop and read and write gold star software supported by a psychological report and submitted to the National Educational Psychological Service will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19927/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the 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. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required. 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 IT equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. To date the NCSE has not forwarded a completed application to my Department recommending assistive technology equipment for the pupil in question. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
