Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Project referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the department’s pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide 3 Mainstream Classrooms, 1 Home School Liaison classroom, 2 SET Rooms and 2 classroom SEN including central activities base. Also included in brief is reconfiguration of GP room back to original purpose. The project was devolved for delivery to the school authority.

The next step will be for the school to procure a consultant. This consultant will lead the project through the various stages of architectural planning and onwards through the statutory planning process and construction.

At this early stage, it is not possible to predict when this school building project will go to construction, nor when it will be completed, as progress depends upon many contingent factors that can arise.

My department will continue to engage with the school authority to provide practical advice and assistance on the project.

Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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89. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason an application for assistive technology was refused for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23216/24]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, 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.

Based on the professional information provided to the Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) and in line with criteria set out in Circular 10/2013, the SENO was unable to recommend an assistive technology grant for the school concerned on behalf of the student. Specifically, the information provided did not confirm a diagnosed disability or medical condition in line with my Department's policy circulars.

It is open to the school to appeal this decision. The appeals process is outlined on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/237c68-assistive-technology-grant/. Any such appeal will be dealt with as a priority by my Department. Separately, where an appeal has been unsuccessful, but new information becomes available, it is open to the school to submit a new application to the SENO for consideration.

Before applying for an Assistive Technology Grant, 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.

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.