Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:353. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education the reason for the refusal of an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33461/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 23 June 2022
Ceisteanna (353)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department operates a scheme of grant-aid to primary and post-primary schools towards the cost of purchasing essential assistive technology equipment, which has been recommended by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) as being essential for students with physical and/or sensory or communicative disabilities in accordance with the criteria set out in Circular 0010/2013 which is published on the Department’s website: www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0010_2013.pdf
Schools make applications directly to the SENO, providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions.
In order to qualify for equipment under the Assistive Technology Scheme, a student 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 student to access the curriculum.
SENOs will review the application, and professional reports provided in support of same, in order to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my Department as to whether or not assistive technology is required; and based on this recommendation, my Department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
My Department have received no application for assistive technology from the school referred to by the Deputy. My Department has contacted the school who confirm that no application for assistive technology has been made and there is no request to submit an application for the student referred to by the Deputy. The parents/guardians should contact the school directly should they wish to submit an application under the Department’s scheme for assistive technology