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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Mar 1990

Vol. 396 No. 6

Written Answers. - Integration of the Handicapped Policy.

John Bruton

Ceist:

260 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the implications for each category of existing special school and for the teachers and care assistants employed therein, of the policy orientation of her Department in favour of the integration of all categories of handicapped pupils in the mainstream educational system; and if the policy requires additional expenditure.

Notwithstanding the policy orientation referred to by the Deputy there will always be a need for special schools for certain categories of handicapped pupils. The increasing tendency to cater for individual handicapped pupils and classes of handicapped pupils in ordinary schools where feasible will, over time, apart from demographic, medical and other factors, reduce enrolments in all categories of special schools.

Pending the report of the Primary Education Review Body a detailed plan of affirmative action to promote the policy has not yet been articulated and it is, therefore, not possible at this stage to quantify staffing, financial or other implications.

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