Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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358. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an application for a grant for assistive technology can be urgently reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43947/24]

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. 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 application for assistive technology was submitted and 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. A subsequent appeal was submitted to the department and this was also unsuccessful as the application does not satisfy the department's criteria for Assistive Technology.

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