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 gov.ie - Assistive Technology Grant (www.gov.ie).

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.

Based on the professional information provided to the SENO and in line with criteria set out in Circular 10/2013, the SENO was not in a position to recommend an assistive technology grant for the school concerned on behalf of the student.

The school has the option to appeal this decision. The appeals process is outlined on my Department’s website at the following link: gov - Assistive Technology Grant (www.gov.ie).

Separately, where an appeal has been unsuccessful, but new information becomes available, the school may submit a new application to the SENO for consideration.

Parents may also contact SENOs directly to discuss their child’s special educational needs, using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/seno-contact-information