Vol. 418 No. 7
143 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the present status of St. Angela's Language and Learning Unit, Scoil Chaitríona, Baggot Street, Dublin 2; if he will confirm that there are no plans to terminate the operation of this unit in the foreseeable future; if he will give an assurance that existing vacancies in this unit will be filled by children in need of the service provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Deputy will be aware that official sanction was given to this special class on an ad hoc basis. At present, only three children remain on the rolls. Suitable alternative educational placements are being secured for these three pupils.
The requirements of children in the Dublin area with speech and language disorders were reviewed some time ago. A number of special classes for children with these disorders have been established in recent years in the Dublin area and these have been located in the areas of greatest identified need.
In the circumstances, it does not appear that the special class referred to is required at present and, accordingly, it will not continue in operation from September 1992.
