asked the Minister for Education if the number of visuallyimpaired as compared to hearing-impaired students merits the difference in the number of peripatetic teachers for ordinary schools, having regard to the fact that there are three for visuallyhandicapped students and 23 for hearing-impaired students.
Written Answers. - Peripatetic Teachers.
177.
The position is that the number of pupils with serious hearing impairment is several times greater than the number with serious visual impairment. Furthermore the prime function of the visiting teachers for the hearing impaired is to teach language. The number of totally blind children of school going age and whose intellectual ability is greater than moderate mental handicap does not exceed 50. Virtually all of these children are educated in special schools for the visually impaired. In the circumstances, I am satisfied that the difference between the number of visiting teachers catering for the hearing impaired as compared to those with visual impairment is merited.