Written answers
Wednesday, 22 January 2025
Department of Education and Skills
Special Educational Needs
Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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635. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if further resources will be provided to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1708/25]
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 by the primary school on the 22nd of April 2024. 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. This decision issued to the school on 31 May 2024.
The school has the option to appeal this decision. The appeals process is outlined on my Department’s website at the following link: .
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:
To date no appeal has been submitted. However, officials from my Department have been in contact with the school concerned with the view to progressing this application.
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