Ombudsman for Children Emily Logan has criticised the Department of Education for refusing to provide a nine-year-old disabled child with a laptop to help him write and concentrate in school.
In a statement on the case issued today, the Ombudsman's office criticised bodies such as the department for a lack of awareness of the impact of decisions on the lives and rights of children and their families.
It said the case demonstrates very clearly the invisibility of children and families in decision-making processes.
The child in question, Darragh Hogan, had a number of medical difficulties, which included bone age delay, low muscle tone, dyspraxia and cleft palate.
His mother argued that these issues were causing her son difficulties in school with handwriting and other skills.
She applied for technology to assist him and included supporting documentation from a GP, her son's teacher and other health professionals, including a paediatrician, an occupational therapist and a senior clinical engineer from the Central Remedial Hospital in Dublin.
However, the Department of Education refused the child a laptop because, while there was a strong indication that he had a physical disability, he did not have a definitive diagnosis.
Darragh Hogan, who is now 11, has since been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and now requires the use of a wheelchair.
His mother today welcomed the Ombudsman's report. Aisling Hogan complained that no one dealing with this application had met her son or heard his views.
Darragh's school, St Munchin's in Limerick City, was forced to fundraise to pay for a laptop.
The Ombudsman's office said it is of serious concern that there is not a common understanding in relation to the administration of a scheme for supporting the educational needs of children with disabilities.
It said there are differing understandings of eligibility criteria between the Department of Education and the National Council for Special Education. It also criticised the lack of a clear appeals process.
The laptop that was refused would have cost in the region of €1,000.
