Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which it is intended to continue to provide financial support and assistance to ensure the continued operation of the full range of facilities at a service (details supplied) in County Kildare; if his attention has been drawn to the commitments, the ongoing needs and the future requirements of children and adults in this category; his views on the need to make substantially increased provision in the future in view of the expected requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27041/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to financial support for specialised furniture for children with special needs. In general, where pupils have specific physical needs for specialised/adapted furniture and equipment in order for them to attend school, an application for funding may be made to the Planning and Building Unit in my Department. This application must be supported by an Occupational Therapist's Report confirming the need for the item(s) in question.

It is open to all schools to submit such applications on an ongoing basis as required. These applications are assessed and approved, where appropriate, as expeditiously as possible. The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted several applications for specialist furniture and equipment recently, the majority of which have been approved funding. Any remaining applications will be assessed as and the school notified of the outcome in due course.