Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a computer in respect of a person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52123/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department provides for a scheme of grants towards the purchase of equipment for the use of students in primary and second level schools who have been diagnosed as having serious physical and/or communicative disabilities which make ordinary communication through speech and/or writing impossible for them. The purpose of the grant-aid is to provide such students with equipment of direct educational benefit to them, including computers. The scheme is driven by applications from schools on behalf of individual students, as and when specific needs present. Applications for assistive technology are made to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) with assigned responsibility for the school. The SENO examines applications and makes a recommendation to my Department.

As my Department has not yet received a recommendation in respect of the pupil referred to by the Deputy, an official in my Department has made contact with the school. The school have had discussions with the Parents and is available to assist in completing an application which will be forwarded to the SENO for consideration.