Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

220. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to set out the funding available for special units in terms of sensory needs and occupational therapist needs, including soft padding and soft toys for special needs children. [11584/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Grant aid is made available to schools under my Department’s 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. Items funded include classroom seating, desks and changing/toileting items for both primary and post primary schools. Any items that would be regarded as sensory or therapeutic based are a matter for the HSE.

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 a once-off lump sum grant aid (€7,000 per school) towards the purchase of educational 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 educational items to be purchased. Again, any therapy based items are a matter for the HSE.