asked the Minister for Education when approval will be given for the establishment of a special hearing unit for the education of hearing impaired children from Laois-Offaly which would be attached to normal hearing national schools within the area; if the unit will be staffed by two fully qualified teachers of the deaf who would have adequate experience to run such a unit and if special equipment will be provided to the unit by way of radio aids etc. to enable first class tuition to be given; if she is aware that the application was made to her Department by the committee in March 1983; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Laois/Offaly Unit for Hearing Impaired Children.
490.
An application for the establishment of a special unit for hearing impaired children in the Laois-Offaly area which would be attached to an ordinary national school was received in my Department in March 1983 and is still being examined. I am not in a position at present to state whether the establishment of such a unit would be appropriate or feasible.
In the circumstances the question of staff or equipment for such a unit does not arise for decision at this stage.