Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Niamh Smyth for the question. One of my stated action priorities is to support and develop the assistive technology scheme to ensure it is of most benefit to those who need it. This is something I am considering as the Minister of State responsible. As we know, specialist equipment is required by some children with more complex special educational needs to access the curriculum properly and to participate in school learning activities. For this purpose, funding was provided to schools under the assistive technology scheme for the purchase of computers and specialist equipment, where students do not have access to such equipment for teaching and learning.

The type of equipment we provide under the scheme is varied. It includes audiological supports for students who have hearing impairment, braille equipment for children with visual impairment and computer equipment with associated modified software for students with physical or severe communicative disabilities. The NCSE is responsible, through its network of special education needs organisers, SENOs, for processing these applications from schools for assistive technology support. Schools make their applications directly to their local SENO or visiting teacher and provide the details of the student's special education needs, including the details of the approach taken by the school in making the relevant intervention. The SENOs will review applications. I understand that in the case of the pupil referred to by Deputy Smyth, it was not possible to approve the application because it did not confirm a diagnosed disability or medical condition in line with the criteria of the scheme. It is open to the school to appeal that decision and the appeals process is outlined on the Department's website.

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