Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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196. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application for funding for the purchase of a tablet device for a person (details supplied) with a special educational need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23174/17]

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.

My Department has not, to date, received an application for assistive technology support for the child to which the Deputy refers.

The school should therefore contact the NCSE regarding a potential application for support in the first instance. 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.