asked the Minister for Education if, arising out of a reply of 1st February, 1966, he is aware that, because he gave to the Committee, numbering four persons, of the Cork Parents Council for Deaf Boys at Queen of the Angels School in Montenotte, Cork on 25th June, 1965, a verbal assurance that if they secured the employment of a teacher for profoundly deaf boys his Department would recognise and pay the salary of the teacher, the Council have obtained the services of such a teacher; and if he will now recognise and pay the salary of such teacher.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teaching of Deaf Boys.
80.
Mr. Barrett
At the time to which the Deputy refers, it was still understood that what was contemplated was a special class for partially deaf children. When it subsequently became clear that what was intended was a special class for profoundly deaf children this, as explained in my reply of 1st February, raised a number of questions including the desirability and necessity for establishing such a special class in Cork.
While the investigation of the matter is still proceeding, I must say that all the expert advice available to me suggests that any advantages that might be associated with having the profoundly deaf educated at day centres would be far outweighed by the disadvantages.