asked the Minister for Education the reasons why official recognition has not been given by his Department to St. Christopher's School for Mentally Handicapped Children in Longford.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Longford School.
49.
It was found after examination of all the assessment reports furnished that the requirement of a minimum number of 20 suitable pupils to warrant the establishment of a school was not reached. In fact there are in all only 16 pupils at most within the range of daily transport to Longford who could be enrolled in a school for the moderately mentally handicapped. I am having investigations made to see if agreement can be reached between the local association and the Department with a view to making some appropriate form of special provision for these children.
Am I correct in taking the Minister to say there are only 16 within the transport area? Are there more outside that area?
The problem here is that we find it is overtiring for mentally handicapped children if they are taken too long a journey. I have not got the information the Deputy requires, but I did meet a deputation some time ago from the committee and I am investigating to see if there is any appropriate form of special provision I can make.
Would the Minister treat it as a matter of urgency because the committee is meeting a weekly outgoing in excess of £100 to keep this school going?
Is the Minister aware that he and his advisers recently received a deputation on this question of recognition of the school? Will he state if he has reached or is likely to reach in the near future a decision on an alternative method of subventing this unit?
The Deputy will appreciate that it is a pretty difficult problem. Rules cannot be made for one area that will not apply to other areas. As I say, I am having a particular look at this to see if I can make some special provision.
The Minister has been notified of certain proposals brought forward by the Donegal Association whereby a child living too far away from a recognised school would get accommodation in a local house from Monday until Friday. Can the Minister not publicise this approach, which might be popular in the country and might solve many cases?
From my own experience I have some doubts about it.
I do not question that, but this proposal has been put forward by the Donegal Association. Could the Department of Education and the Department of Health not make a contribution towards the cost involved? Is that very difficult?
First of all, it has no reference to the question.
Of course, it has.
No; this is related to St. Christopher's School for Mentally Handicapped Children in Longford. However, I will have a look at it.
Why cannot the proposal put forward by the Donegal Association be applied here? Surely the Department have some imagination?