Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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496. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an application for a laptop for a child with learning difficulties will be granted for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry before the beginning of the new academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41453/21]

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: www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0010_2013.pdf

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 application referred to by the Deputy was reviewed, with consideration given to the documentation provided, the criteria set out in Circular 0010/2013 and the Special Education Needs Organiser’s observations and recommendations.

I am pleased to say that the application was approved for funding and the school was informed on 7^thSeptember 2021.