asked the Minister for Education what is meant by the term "Integration" used in connection with the policy of integrating mentally handicapped pupils into ordinary national schools.
Written Answers. - Mentally Handicapped Pupils.
288.
The term "Integration" as used in connection with the provision made for mildly mentally handicapped pupils in ordinary schools refers to education in special classes, participation with non-handicapped children in certain curricular areas and full involvement in the extra-curricular activities of the ordinary school.
289.
asked the Minister for Education the teachers' organisations or any other body which have not been consulted on the purpose or implementation of an integration policy; and, if not, why not.
Special classes for mildly mentally handicapped pupils are established in ordinary schools at the request of parents and school authorities and in consultation with those authorities and with teachers. Teachers' organisations and other interested bodies are aware that the purpose of these classes is to provide education for the pupils in the least restrictive environment which meets their needs.
290.
asked the Minister for Education where those mentally handicapped children who have their primary education in ordinary national schools are to go at the ages of 12 or 13.
Many mildly mentally handicapped children remain in special classes after they reach the age of 12 or 13. Some transfer to post-primary schools in many of which special provision is made for slow-learning children including those who had been enrolled in special classes in the primary school. The provision of additional facilities for mildly handicapped children enrolled in post-primary schools is being considered in the Department at present.