Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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973. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the grants available for parents of children with autism for the provision of educational equipment which can be used in the home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18729/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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My Department provides funding to schools towards the cost of equipment and specialist software for educational purposes under the Assistive Technology scheme, 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.

Equipment purchased under the Scheme should normally be kept in the school. However, as stated in Circular 0010/2013, a pupil may, with the consent of the management authority, use the equipment at home.