97 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Education whether there are any funds available from the special education branch of her Department or any other section of her Department to provide or to grant-aid the provision of a computer for a primary school pupil with hand function problems arising out of cerebral palsy as professionally diagnosed and where use of a computer has been professionally recommended; if funds are currently available for such assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19531/96]

My Department provides funding for the provision and maintenance of specialist equipment, including computers, for pupils with special needs attending ordinary primary schools. A number of applications for such support are currently on hands in my Department and are being considered in terms of priority of need and having regard to available resources. If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, he should forward all relevant details to the special education section of my Department.