Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 28 Sep 1995

Vol. 456 No. 2

Written Answers. - Foyle View (Derry) School.

James McDaid

Ceist:

19 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Education her views on whether Foyle School in Derry would be ideally suited for mentally handicapped children from the Inishowen area in view of the fact that it already has the technology and expertise to deal with all such children from the north-west area; and her further views on whether this would make economic common sense. [11578/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department has investigated the possibility of availing of the excellent facilities offered by the Foyle View School in Derry for mentally handicapped children from the Inishowen area. Officers of my Department have had discussions with the authorities in Foyle View School in relation to this matter. While the school in question does, on occasion, enrol individual children from the Inishowen area, the school authorities have indicated that they do not at present have the necessary accommodation and facilities to cater for all of the children from the Inishowen area who now require such a service. Provision of such facilities would require major additional investment.

In the case of the Inishowen area, my Department has already established two special classes for children with mild mental handicap and a special class for children with moderate levels of handicap. I am aware of a further demand for a special facility for a number of children who have been identified as being severely or profoundly handicapped. Given the accommodation situation in Foyle View, I consider that the establishment of a special class for the children in question in the Inishowen area represents the most practical and economic solution. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that arrangements for the provision of such a class are now well advanced.