Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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284. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the procedure for a child on the ASD spectrum attending primary school to apply for a laptop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27099/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. SENOs also

make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required.  The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support, as set out in my Department's 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.

The school or parents of the child concerned may wish to contact the NCSE regarding a potential application for support.  All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.