Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 1

Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.

Conor Lenihan

Question:

310 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures he is taking to ensure that visiting teachers of the deaf service are giving full information to parents that the model school for the deaf project's pre school is now available for deaf children in the Dublin area. [5179/03]

Conor Lenihan

Question:

311 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will appoint a deaf information officer on education. [5180/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 311 together.

My Department's inspectorate wrote to the visiting teachers of the deaf service last year informing them of the existence of the pre-school in question. A further letter will issue to the visiting teachers shortly containing additional information on the pre-school. My predecessor estab lished an advisory committee on the education of the deaf and hard of hearing to advise on the range of key issues relating to the future education of deaf children. The terms of reference of the committee are to review the adequacy of the current range of educational support services available to students with hearing impairment, to identify and prioritise areas of service provision which require development or adjustment and to bring forward such proposals as are considered appropriate in order to ensure the development and delivery of an appropriate, effective and efficient education support service for students with hearing impairment.

I understand from my officials that the committee hopes to produce an interim report before the end of the current school year. I expect that the issue referred to by the Deputy will be dealt with in that context.