asked the Minister for Education if he will state the estimated number of mentally retarded children at present attending national schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teaching of Mentally Retarded Children.
30.
I am not in a position to give with any degree of accuracy an estimate of the number of mentally retarded children who are attending national schools. The statistics in this respect available in my Department relate only to the special schools which cater for such children.
31.
asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that there is great need for the training of specialised teachers to assist mentally retarded children in the State; and whether any steps are being taken to obtain such teachers.
I am aware of the problems connected with the education of mentally retarded children which include the giving of special training to teachers to enable them to deal with the education of such children.
There are a number of national schools with specially trained staff which are entirely concerned with the education of mentally retarded children.
An introductory course relating to the teaching of backward children was held last month. This course was attended by 28 teachers.
The matter generally is under consideration.