Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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121. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter in relation to correspondence from his Department concerning a person (details supplied); and the way in which the opinion of the HSE can be disregarded. [40922/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As this refers directly to an individual person I have referred this query to the National Council for Special Education, NCSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

The 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.

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 Circular 0010/2013 which is published on my Department’s website.

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.