Vol. 520 No. 1
393 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the current provision in his Department for the teaching of Irish sign language to deaf children; his plans in this regard; if he will facilitate deaf children having access to people who are familiar with Irish sign language, either in a school or home settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15196/00]
Following representations from parents of hearing impaired children, a special class has been established in St. Joseph's special school, Cabra, in which the bilingual approach is followed. Special needs assistants with competence in Irish sign language have been allocated to the school to support the teachers and pupils in the use of this approach.
In addition, training courses in Irish sign language have been held for teachers of deaf pupils. Such courses will continue to be supported in order to enable teachers to meet the needs of those pupils whose chief method of communication is through the medium of signing.
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 the parents they represent in regard to bilingualism as an approach to the education of deaf 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 the individual child are of central importance when, in consultation with the child's parents, decisions are being made regarding appropriate educational provision.
