Vol. 395 No. 1
14 Mr. Jacob asked the Minister for Education if she will arrange for the provision of a lift in the Abbey Community College, Wicklow for the purpose of conveying to the upstairs classrooms, handicapped children who are confined to wheelchairs and who have to be carried bodily upstairs by teachers, having regard to the fact that this matter has been under consideration by her Department for the past two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As I confirmed by letter dated 7-12-89 to the Deputy, I have sanctioned the provision of a lift at Abbey Community College. The County Wicklow VEC have been informed of my building unit's requirements in this regard and the building unit are at present awaiting the relevant documentation including specifications and tenders from the VEC.
I thank the Minister for his positive answer. Will he indicate when the work of installing this lift will commence as the urgency of the situation warrants expeditious action now that the Minister has given her approval?
It is accepted that the need is urgent. However, I am not in a position to provide the Deputy with the information he requires until the VEC respond to the Department's request for estimates and quotations. I assure the Deputy that delays will not take place by the Department when we have the necessary documentation.
Question No. 15, please.
What is the Minister's policy with regard to the provision——
Deputy Deenihan, this question refers specifically to a college in Wicklow. The Deputy is raising another matter. Question No. 15, please.
