Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019
221. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding is available for technology for children with disabilities who are home schooled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43441/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of my Department’s Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my Department's Circular 0010/2013, is to provide grant-aid to schools to allow them to purchase the type of specialist equipment which has been recommended by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) as being essential for students who have been diagnosed as having a serious physical disability and/or sensory or communicative disability to the extent that their ability to communicate through the medium of speech or writing is materially curtailed.
When sanctioning such equipment, it must be clear that existing equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs without unduly depriving other children of access to the equipment and without such equipment it will not be possible for the students with serious physical and/or sensory/communicative disabilities to access the school curriculum.
The recommendation of the NCSE is based on accompanying professional reports, as necessary from relevant professionals, such as Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists etc.
The circular also outlines the type of equipment that is not provided under the scheme including communication devices or medical or therapy related devices which are not specific educational interventions, or equipment that is not specifically required as essential for school educational access.
Although equipment is sanctioned under the Assistive Technology scheme for use by particular students, it is the property of the school, and the school’s management authority is responsible for maintenance, repair, and insurance of the equipment.
My Department provides for the education of children through the provision of recognised schools. Recognised schools must fulfil a number of conditions regarding curriculum, inspection and other matters.
The Irish constitution recognises the family as the primary educator of the child and defines duties and responsibilities for parents and the State in the education of children.
Section 14 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 makes provision for parents to educate their children in places other than recognised schools, such as in the home or in non-recognised schools.
Children who are educated at home or who attend a non-recognised schools - must be registered with the Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency by their parents/guardians.
Parents must ensure their child receives a certain minimum education. There are detailed Guidelines on the Assessment of Education in places other than recognised schools. The guidelines provide a working definition of “a certain minimum education”. They describe home-based education and offer guidance on how it may be assessed. They also cover the legal background of home education.
Where parents choose to educate their children in places other than recognised schools they have made a decision not to avail of recognised schools.
They are not eligible to avail of resources which they may have accessed through enrolment in a recognised school and are not eligible to apply for Assistive Technology from my Department.
Responsibility for home schooling matters resides with my colleague, the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs.
