Vol. 547 No. 2
164 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if the terms of the agreement with St. Joseph's School for the Blind to establish a national centre for blind and visually impaired children have been decided; if he has sanctioned the preparation of tenders; and when the proposed education centre will be ready for occupation. [3004/02]
My Department has recently engaged a project team to devise an overall development strategy for the implementation of the report of the planning group for a national centre for children with visual impairment. When this has been completed my Department will be able to progress this matter further.
I can assure the Deputy of my commitment to ensuring that adequate educational support services are made available to all students with visual impairment. My commitment in this regard is reflected in the fact that in 2001 I secured additional funding of €634,869 or £500,000 to facilitate the appointment of additional staff at the existing schools for the visually impaired at Drumcondra.
In addition, I sanctioned the appointment of two posts for the development of services at the Drumcondra campus.
Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 156.
