Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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83. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15779/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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My Department operates a scheme of grants towards the purchase of essential assistive technology equipment for pupils with physical or communicative disabilities. On receipt of a recommendation from the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) my Department advises schools on the level of grant approved. Schools may then proceed to purchase the equipment and claim the grant payment from my Department. 

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is necessary to ensure adequate proof of the amount paid for the equipment is received in order to determine the value of the grant that may be paid. Therefore schools are advised to provide the relevant receipts. Unfortunately, while an invoice provides a list of the equipment supplied, it is not confirmation of the value of the payment that the supplier has received for this equipment. 

Further information in relation to the operation of this scheme is available in Circular Number 0010/2013 which is published on my Departments website at .