Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 496: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department has made provision for a special computer desk and refused to sanction a computer in respect of a child (details supplied) in Dublin 3 in view of their special learning needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5009/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's special education section has no record of receiving an application for an assistive technology grant for the pupil in question. The National Council for Special Education has taken over responsibility for processing resource applications for children with disabilities who have special educational needs. The council's responsibilities include processing applications for assistive technology supports and making recommendations to my Department.

Since 1 January 2005, all applications for such support are made by schools to the local special educational needs organiser. It is open to the school concerned to complete an application form and submit it to the special educational needs organiser.