Vol. 399 No. 3
157 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education her views on the question of educating Down's Syndrome children in ordinary national schools, in the light of the report of the Primary Committee Review Body; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
158 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education if she will submit proposals for funding a resource teacher for Down's Syndrome children attending ordinary national schools, as part of the EC HELIOS 2 programme.
159 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the emphasis now placed on integrating mentally handicapped persons into the community, she will approve the integration of Down's Syndrome children, who can benefit from the national school experience, into ordinary national schools, to encourage such social integration from the earliest age; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 158 and 159 together.
I am in favour of the integration of handicapped children into ordinary national schools where this is possible.
My Department, in welcoming this trend, will be reviewing measures it might take to facilitate the integration of pupils with special learning needs into ordinary schools and will do this in the light of whatever relevant recommendations are contained in the report of the primary education review body.
