Vol. 568 No. 3
54 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which he plans to improve the education and support services provided to blind and visually impaired children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16289/03]
55 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to consider plans for a national centre for the visually impaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16290/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 55 together.
Last April, having given careful consideration to the matter, I decided that the National Centre for the Visually Impaired should not proceed, having regard to the low and declining pupil numbers in the schools for the visually impaired and the development costs, estimated to be in excess of €30 million.
However, my Department is willing to explore with the school authorities concerned how aspects of the proposed centre could be developed, in the context of available resources.
Generally, children with visual impairment may be catered for in special schools or in integrated settings. Special schools catering for children with visual impairment operate at a special reduced pupil teacher ratio of 8:1 and are supported by the special needs assistant service. These children are also entitled to avail of the special school transport service, which includes an escort service.
My Department's policy is, where possible and appropriate, to integrate children with special needs into local mainstream schools where they are supported by the resource teacher service and-or the special needs assistant service. Support is also provided by the visiting teacher service, which includes specialists in the education of children with visual impairment. These children also attract funding for the purchase of specialised equipment necessary to assist them in their education.
56 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department can reassess the application by a school for a special needs assistant in view of the fact that the family of a person (details supplied) have submitted further medical evidence to substantiate the need for such an assistant for the pupil concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16291/03]
The application has now been reviewed by NEPS management, taking into account the additional information that has now been supplied. NEPS has made a recommendation to my Department's special education section and a decision will be conveyed to the school shortly.
57 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, identified as suffering from ADD, qualifies for a special needs assistant in class; the criteria which will qualify the person for such an assistant having detailed medical evidence obtained by their parents from an eminent psychologist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16292/03]
The criteria under which special needs assistants may be assigned to children in class are outlined in my Department's circular letter 7/02 and are stringent. The recommendation made by the psychologist in question is not in line with these criteria and the person named does not therefore qualify for this additional resource.
58 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 238 of 27 May 2003, if he will review the situation in regard to additional information provided by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16304/03]
The additional information provided by the school has been forwarded to the national educational psychological service agency, NEPS, for attention. My Department will be in contact with the school concerning the matter in due course.
