andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Welfare what facilities for training blind persons are available at St. Joseph's, Drumcondra, Dublin to help such persons (a) to care for themselves in urban living conditions, and (b) to practice a trade or a craft.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Training Facilities for Blind Persons.
68.
St. Joseph's, Drumcondra, consists of a Home for the Blind and a School for boys up to 18 years of age who are blind or whose eyesight is seriously defective. The usual school subjects are taught as well as Braille, shorthand, and typing. In addition, the boys receive training in recognised crafts such as mat-making, basket work and brush-making.
I may add that the authorities of St. Joseph's have prepared a brochure entitled Out of the Darkness which I should like to recommend to anyone interested in its charitable work.
69.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Welfare what facilities, if any, are available for training blind persons in the use of guide dogs.
There is no statutory body providing such facilities but I understand that the services of a voluntary charitable organisation, known as the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Ltd., with headquarters in London, are available to blind persons in this country.