Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 1221: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if consideration will be given for a special needs assistant for a person (details supplied) in County Clare together with a lap top that would be adapted to their needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40187/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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With effect from 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has taken responsibility for processing resource applications for children with disabilities who have special educational needs. Under the new arrangements, the council, through the local special educational needs organiser, SENO, will process the relevant application for resources and inform the school of the outcome. The SENO will outline the process to the school and parents, where appropriate, and will at the end of the process outline the basis on which the decision was made. My officials have confirmed that the school authorities have been in contact with the local SENO regarding an application for resource teaching support only. There is no indication of an application for a special needs assistant and assistive technology support for the pupil to whom the Deputy refers.