Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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488. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application to fund a laptop for a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61142/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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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 to the NCSE on 29 September 2025. The Department received a recommendation from the NCSE to approve the equipment on 30 October 2025, and a decision letter granting the funding was issued to the school on 4 November 2025.