Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that comprehensive reply and detailed outlining of the requirements. I have been in a classroom and have seen how assistive technology can have an enormous positive impact on the needs of students in participating in mainstream education. For teachers, it is an extra piece of work to do when they have assistive technology but for the students, the benefits are significant and should be embraced.

As the Minister of State is aware, Aoibhinn's application was made last October. I am glad to hear there is an appeals process and that door is not closed on her. She is a student whose mobility is debilitating in terms of her capacity to participate in school. She suffers from joint hypermobility and the assistive technology she needs would be most important in helping with her reading and writing. After 16 months of going in and out of school, between homeschooling and schooling in the classroom, we know how important technology is for everybody. I appeal to the Minister of State, if it is possible, to ensure that this student gets the assistive technology requested.

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