Vol. 408 No. 2
62 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education whether she has satisfied herself with the arrangements designed to encourage integrated education in our national schools for mild and moderately handicapped children at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
In accordance with the recommendation of the Primary Education Review Body, I have decided to establish a special committee to examine and report on educational provisions for children with special needs, including those with mild moderate mental handicap.
An important element of this committee's work will be to identify the arrangements which should be put in place in order, where possible, to ensure that such children can be successfully integrated into ordinary schools.
In addition, as the Deputy will know, additional teaching resources have now become available under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress. My Department are currently considering how best to apportion these resources to achieve maximum benefit. The need to support the integration process will form an important part of this consideration.
