Vol. 442 No. 9
42 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that primary schools which are accommodating children with Down's Syndrome in ordinary classes have experienced a dramatic cut in visiting teacher assistance as in a case (details supplied).
I do not accept that there has been any dramatic reduction in the general level of visiting teacher assistance provided to primary schools accommodating children with Down's Syndrome in ordinary classes. In particular instances, circumstances may arise which result in a reduction in service for a particular child. The instance cited by the Deputy may be one such case.
As I indicated to the House in response to Question No. 77 of Wednesday, 11 May 1994, I am having the matter investigated by my Department. I will advise the Deputy of the outcome as soon as inquiries have been completed.
I should also point out that the general position in relation to integrated children with disabilities will be improved from September next as I propose to appoint additional resource teachers which should reduce the level of demand on the visiting teacher service and enable visiting teachers to give more attention to existing cases.
