Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2009

Tuesday, 16 June 2009

Questions (228)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

251 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that the required funding has been provided for the National Braille Production Unit in order to produce specialised books and other essential materials for students at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if he will further confirm that there will be no reduction in critical teaching staff at this school from September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23535/09]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)

My Department has advised the National Braille Production Centre (NBPC) that an allocation of €1,150,000 has been made available to the Centre in 2009. The NBPC has written to my Department seeking additional funding and my officials will be in further contact with the Centre in this regard.

The Deputy will be aware of the Government's commitment to ensuring that all children with special educational needs including those with a visual impairment can have access to an education appropriate to their needs. Special schools and special classes for pupils with a visual impairment have a reduced pupil teacher ratio of 8:1 and enhanced levels of capitation are payable. There are no proposals at this point to amend the pupil teacher ratio of 8:1 at present.