John Browne
Question:29 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Education her views on whether remedial teachers should be appointed to training centres for mentally handicapped adults.
Written Answers. - Remedial Teacher Appointment.
John Browne
Question:78 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Education if she will consider appointing a remedial teacher to the Delta centre in Carlow which caters for 42 adults with mental handicap; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 78 together.
In general, my Department adopts a positive attitude to requests for grant-aid for teaching support from training centres for mentally handicapped young adults.
Grant-aid is provided for instructors in vocational training centres for moderately mentally handicapped adults which are established by the health boards or voluntary organisations and which have Department of Health approval. The subjects covered include literacy and numeracy, horticulture, arts and crafts, etc.
My Department also provides grant-aid for the development of literacy and numeracy skills to centres run by the rehabilitation institute for young adults with a physical or sensory disability or with a mild mental handicap.
While no formal application has been received to date, my Department would, of course, be prepared to consider an application for grant-aid for teaching support from the centre referred to by the Deputy.