asked the Minister for Education the proposals she has for the training of teachers for severely and profoundly mentally handicapped children over the next ten years; and the schemes currently in progress.
Written Answers. - Special Education Teacher Training.
185.
It is proposed to appoint shortly the first allocation of teachers to cater for the educational needs of the severely and profoundly mentally handicapped children for the 1985-86 school year. These teachers, who will be fully qualified national teachers, will be given a short induction period on placement. There will be ongoing monitoring during the first year of operation and the more long term training needs will be assessed in the light of the experience gained. No formal training scheme is currently in progress.