Vol. 395 No. 3
189 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education, in relation to the 45 phonic ear personal FM systems which have been purchased for primary school pupils with hearing difficulties, whether the number purchased will be sufficient to cater for all primary school children who are capable of benefiting from such devices; and when these devices will be fitted for the children concerned.
The personal systems referred to will be fitted in the near future when the necessary arrangements are finalised in collaboration with the National Rehabilitation Board. My Department are confident this supply is adequate for the present to supply those pupils for whom it can be justified by reference to their degree of hearing impairment and potential to benefit educationally from the system. Following this initial purchase it is anticipated the provision of a smaller number of systems each year will be sufficient to meet future requirements.
