Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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288. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a decision that was made for a grant for assistive technology for a student (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41112/24]

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.

An application for assistive technology was submitted in October 2023. 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.

No appeal of the Assistive Technology application has been submitted in respect of this child. However, should the school wish to make a renewed application, the matter will be treated as a priority by both the NCSE and the Department of Education.

It is open to parents to contact SENOs directly to discuss their child’s special educational needs, using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/seno-contact-information.