Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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113. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure a student (details supplied) who requires a laptop as assistive technology is provided with this essential equipment. [57012/22]

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 my Department’s website at www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0010_2013.pdf

The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), are responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. SENOs will review the application, and professional reports provided in support of same, in order to establish whether the criteria of the scheme has 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 NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support. Schools make applications directly to the appropriate 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 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, and where necessary, schools may also purchase new or additional equipment or software for students from normal school resources or funds.

The SENO with responsibility for assessment of the application in respect of the student referred to by the Deputy, has advised the school of the information required in order to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. Following receipt of this information they will reasses the application and 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 and the school will be informed of the decision.