asked the Minister for Education the progress that has been made to date in providing classes in County Kerry and throughout the country for deaf and hearing-impaired children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Classes for Hearing-Impaired Children.
3.
In view of the need for specialist teaching skills and equipment in the education of deaf and hearing-impaired children, and in view of the paucity of numbers and the wide geographical spread of children in this category, facilities for them tend to be in large centrally placed units.
However, in the particular circumstances of individual areas, in County Offaly and Galway city, small scale interventions for the hearing-impaired have been sanctioned on an experimental basis. Following experience of these interventions, the position generally will be re-assessed.
In the meantime, a review of the question of providing special classes in County Kerry for deaf and hearing-impaired children has recently been initiated. The review is still at a preliminary stage.
I welcome the Minister's reply but can he tell me how long it will take to have a decision on the provision of specialist facilities in Kerry?
I could not pre-empt the result of investigations taking place. The position in Kerry is being examined. I understand there are 20 children or more in residential accommodation in private houses. The problem is geographical. It is a difficult matter and there has not been any indication in information we have got that the 20 children would avail of specialist facilities if they were provided.
I asked the Minister when he will have the information.
I am not in a position to say.