Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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258. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on whether teachers are obliged to assist children with the use of assistive technologies which have been approved for the child by the NCSE or if it is at a teacher's discretion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32551/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's policy in relation to the provision of Assistive Technology support for pupils with Special Educational Needs is set out in Department of Education and Skills Circular 0010/2013.

In order to qualify for equipment under the Assistive Technology scheme, a child must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the child to access the curriculum. It must also be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs.

As part of the application process, for which parental consent is required, schools set out how and in what manner the equipment which has been recommended in the professional report will be used in the classroom.

The Circular also provides that a designated teacher in the school should take responsibility for the management of the equipment and for monitoring its effective use within the school.

Should a teacher or parent require clarification regarding the use of the equipment in school this should be raised directly with the school Principal or the Board of Management of the school.