Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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175. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the funding schemes that are available to schools and preschools that need to acquire agility and sensory play equipment for students with special education needs. [38793/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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On approval of a special class in a school my Department provides lump sum grant aid (€6,500 per class) towards the purchase of educational aids and equipment for special needs pupils enrolled in that class. My Department also provides lump sum grant aid (€7,000 per room) towards the purchase of equipment for schools with approval for a multi-sensory room. This funding is provided on a devolved basis and it is a matter for the school authority to decide on the items to be purchased.

Grant aid may also be made available to schools under the Loose Furniture & Equipment Scheme to fund the purchase of special items of furniture for special needs pupils. This scheme applies to all children who are diagnosed as having special needs.

Early childhood education and care services are delivered outside the formal education system by a diverse range of private, community and voluntary interests. Government investment in such provision is primarily implemented by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.