Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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1037. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a funding application review will be carried on the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19622/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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.

SENOs then 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.

The appeal referred to by the Deputy is currently being considered by my Department and the decision will be communicated to the applicant as soon as it is available.