Vol. 495 No. 7
716 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to develop an adequate pre-school service for pupils with special education needs; the schools from which he has received proposals for a pre-school unit; and the resources which will be made available in the current school year to develop additional facilities in this area. [21435/98]
The Deputy will be aware that earlier this year I held a National Forum for Early Childhood Education. My objective in holding the forum was to allow all groups with an interest in this area, including those concerned with provision for special needs children, to put forward their views on how best to co-ordinate and support the future development of early childhood education services.
The report on the outcome of the forum has now been received in my Department and is being considered as part of the preparation of a White Paper on Early Childhood Education. The question of provision for special needs children, including the resource implications, will be among the issues addressed in the White Paper.
To date, only one special school has proposed the establishment of a pre-school service.
717 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the application of the model school for the deaf to establish its operations; the process of assessment proposed in respect of this application; the expected timing of a decision in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21436/98]
My Department has received a proposal for the establishment of a model school for the deaf in Dublin. Officials of my Department have met with representatives of the proposed project.
This proposal will be considered in the context of overall developments taking place in relation to education services for the hearing impaired.
