Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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226. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will approve an assistive technology grant application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17950/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that 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. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support, which is 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.

I can advise the Deputy that an application for assistive technology support for the child referred to in his question has been received by my Department on 29^thMarch and a response issued to the school on 30^thMarch confirming the level of grant support available.