Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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164. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review an application for assisted technology in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2689/17]

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, including applications for assistive technology.

Special Needs Organisers (SENOs) 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 NCSE did not make a recommendation to my Department for the provision of assistive technology for the pupil in question, as the application does not meet the terms of Circular 0010/2013.  The information provided does not confirm a diagnosed disability or medical condition in line with Circular 0010/2013.

Should additional information become available, which provides further clarification regarding the requirement for assistive technology for the pupil, in accordance with the terms of the scheme, it is open to the school to resubmit an application for consideration. 

Parents can contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on the NCSE website.