Mary Wallace
Ceist:143 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education whether she will appoint a committee to oversee the education of deaf and hard of hearing children. [2587/97]
Written Answers. - Education Services for Deaf Persons.
The question of re-establishing the deaf education policy committee is under ongoing review within my Department in the context of the overall developments taking place in relation to education services for the hearing impaired.
I should point out that arrangements currently exist to ensure that my Department is fully aware of the wishes and needs of parents and children in the area of deaf education services. Where issues arise which might affect the interests of such groups, my Department makes every effort to ensure that the opinions and values of those concerned are sought and considered.
The interests of the hearing impaired were also fully represented to the special education review committee whose report has provided a most valuable blueprint for the future development of special education services, including those related to the hearing impaired.