Gardaí appeal after €20,000 device that helps child speak stolen

In a post on Instagram, Gardaí have shared that the device may be located in and around Blessington Street Park, Royal Canal Court, Royal Canal Park or adjoining streets.

Valued at €15,000 - €20,000, the Tobii Dynavox Eye Gaze AAC device belongs to a four-year-old child and is their only means of communication. The small, rectangular device and has the name "Cadhla" written across its back in pink italics, along with pink hearts and a crown.

The device uses a range of technology to facilitate communication, including eye-tracking and speech generation. It is designed for people who cannot speak or use their hands due to a number of conditions, including Motor Neuron Disease, cerebral palsy and aphasia.

According to Gardaí, the device was stolen from a parked car in Dublin's Temple Street on Wednesday, November 4th. A Samsung device was also taken from the car.

A suspect has been arrested in connection with the investigation and is being questioned. In an update to a post on social media, Gardaí believe the device was last located in and around Blessington Street Park, Royal Canal Court, Royal Canal Park, or adjoining streets.

Gardaí are calling on anyone with information on the whereabouts of the Tobii Dynavox Eye Gaze AAC device to contact Mountjoy Garda Station by calling 01 666 8600.