Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department operates a scheme of grant-aid to primary and post-primary schools towards the cost of purchasing essential assistive technology equipment, which has been recommended by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) as being essential for students with physical and/or sensory or communicative disabilities in accordance with the criteria set out in Circular 0010/2013 which is published on the Department’s website. www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0010_2013.pdf.

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 also been 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.

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.

Based on the professional information provided to the SENO when the application was first received in June 2022, and in line with criteria set out in Circular 10/2013, they were not in a position to recommend an assistive technology grant for the school concerned on behalf of this student. However following receipt of the necessary documentation, I can confirm that the appeal for assistive technology for the pupil named by the deputy has been approved by my Department and a sanction has issued to the school concerned recently.