Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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475. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the current process in place for a child with additional needs whose school applies for a device (details supplied) for that student for their learning; the length of time that applications take to be processed and the device to be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24862/22]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Under the Assistive Technology scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.

All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment.

It must be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs. Where necessary, schools may also purchase new or additional equipment or software for students from normal school resources or funds.

An investment programme of €210m has been delivered to schools under the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 –2020. Additionally, the first tranche of the successor Digital Strategy for schools to 2027, ICT grant funding of €50m has recently issued to schools. Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is a matter for the Board of Management of each school, as schools are best placed to determine the most appropriate solution to adopt in terms of supporting the learning needs of their students based on school's own context and circumstances, and in accordance with their Digital Learning Plan. The grant funding allocation issues directly to schools and can be used to provide devices for use by students and teachers, for learning platforms, software and overall digital technology infrastructure development in the school. In addition, my Department as part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) under Next Generation EU funding facility, to provide for a scheme for learners at risk of educational disadvantage through the digital divide, issued a once-off grant in December 2021 to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme. This funding also issued directly to schools as they are best placed to determine the needs of their own cohort.

Where children with more complex disabilities require essential specialist equipment to access the school curriculum, which they do not already have, or which cannot be provided for them through the schools existing provisions, schools may make an application for such equipment to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) under the terms of this scheme.

The 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/specialised equipment is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support.

Schools make applications directly to the SENO, providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions.

In order to qualify for equipment under the Assistive Technology Scheme, a student 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 student to access the curriculum.

SENOs will review the application, and professional reports provided in support of same, in order to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my Department as to whether or not assistive technology is required; and based on this recommendation, my Department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.

The type of equipment provided under the Assistive Technology Scheme is varied, and includes audiological supports for students with hearing impairment, braille equipment for children with visual impairment, and computer equipment with associated modified software for students with physical or severe communicative disabilities.

Communication devices or medical or therapy related devices which are not specific educational interventions or equipment specifically required as essential for school educational access, and which have a general application outside of school, are not provided for under the Assistive Technology scheme, however. Such equipment is normally provided for children with disabilities by the Health Service Executive (HSE).

As the assistive technology application is made directly to the local SENO in the NCSE, it is the responsibility of each individual school to purchase the equipment after the grant is sanctioned, my Department does not hold a record of the average wait time from start of application to the time a student receives the assistive technology.

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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476. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the process to be followed when the device (details supplied) of a child is damaged and must be replaced in cases in which the child has additional needs; the length of time that it takes to replace same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24863/22]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Under the Assistive Technology scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.

All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment. It must be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs. Where necessary, schools may also purchase new or additional equipment or software for students from normal school resources or funds.

Although equipment is sanctioned under the Assistive Technology scheme for use by particular students, it is the property of the school, and the school’s management authority is responsible for maintenance, repair, and insurance of the equipment.

In the event a piece of equipment is damaged the school principal should first contact the school’s insurance provider as the school should have insurance put in place that will cover the repair/replacement cost of the broken Laptop.

Paragraph 13 of Circular 10 of 2013 which can be accessed at states:

“The school’s management authority will have responsibility for maintenance, repair, insurance etc. of the equipment”

Under the Guidelines of Purchasing Procedures in this circular, it is noted:

“Insurance cover should be put in place prior to the delivery of equipment”.

If the Insurance provider will not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the laptop, then a refund of the repair cost (if repairable) can be obtained by the school on completion of Appendix 2 of Circular 10 of 2013. This form need to be signed by the SENO or visiting Teacher.

If none of the aforementioned is successful, then they should contact the school’s Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) for advice with regard to making an application for a grant towards the purchase of a new iPad.

As the repairs of Assistive Technology equipment is the responsibility of the school’s management authority in the first instance, subsequently if required they may require engagement with the NCSE. My Department does not hold a record of the average wait time from start of application for repair to the time the assistive technology equipment is repaired or replaced.