Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 10

Written Answers. - Training for Braille Teachers.

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

42 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has to establish a centre for training braille teachers in Ireland; and if she will approve appointments for classroom assistants in situations where there are visually impaired or handicapped children.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

In line with established practice, my Department is prepared to consider the provision of a course to train additional teachers in braille, subject to the emergence of a reasonable level of demand for such a course.

However, I would not expect that the demand would be such as to warrant the establishment of a centre dedicated to that purpose. Accordingly, I would not envisage the establishment of such a centre.

Children suffering from serious visual impairment are catered for in two special schools which are dedicated to meeting the particular needs of such children. Instruction in the use of braille is available in both these schools.

Children with less serious visual impairment can often function very satisfactorily in an integrated setting. Where necessary, such children receive special additional support from the Visiting Teacher Service which includes teachers who are competent to deliver instruction in the use of braille.

The allocation of classroom, or childcare, assistants has for some years been the subject of a general embargo on appointments in the public sector. However, I am very conscious of the need for a wide availability of this valuable support resource and I will be examining the possibility for some initiative in this area in the context of the recommendations in the report of the Special Education Review Committee.