Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 5

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

David Stanton

Question:

312 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance and resources available to deaf pre-school children and their parents to help them learn Irish sign language and English; the plans, if any, he has in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14301/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

My Department is not currently involved in the allocation of resources to deaf pre-school children or their parents to help them learn Irish sign language and English. At present, my Department's involvement with such children is limited to the support provided by the visiting teacher service.

I am aware of the debate concerning the best method of teaching deaf children and the changes in methods which have occurred over the years. The views of the Irish Deaf Society and of the parents they represent in regard to bilingualism as an approach to the education of deaf children including pre-school children, with Irish sign language as their first language, have already been acknowledged in the Education Act, 1998.

However, it is also acknowledged that no single method of communication is suitable for all deaf students. In this context, the assessed needs of each individual child are of central importance when, in consultation with the child's parents, decisions are being made regarding appropriate educational provision.

The White Paper on Early Childhood Education sets out my Department's proposals for the future development of pre-school education services for all children, including children with special needs. My Department is currently completing a process of discussion with interested parties as a prelude to putting specific arrangements in place for the development of our early childhood education services. The needs of deaf children will be fully taken into account in this context.

I should also mention that the issue raised by the Deputy will be among a range of matters which will be discussed at a meeting which is being arranged between senior officers of my Department and representatives of the Irish Deaf Society and the Model School for the Deaf Committee.