Vol. 427 No. 8
77 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education if she will grant approval for the provision of ramps and a lift at St. Joseph's Special School, Parnell Street, Waterford in view of the fact that this is currently inaccessible for a number of pupils with wheelchairs and that the pupils with physical disabilities currently have to crawl up the stairs; and if she will examine the application as a matter of urgency in view of these circumstances.
260 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Education if she will approve the provision of a lift and ramps at a school (details supplied) in County Waterford in view of the difficulty encountered by disabled pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 260 together.
I am glad to confirm for the Deputies that approval has been given for the provision of access ramps at the school in question.
My Department is investigating alternative arrangements to the provision of lifts, which as a matter of policy it opposes, to improve facilities for the children in question and will be in contact with the school authorities in the matter.
