Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

John Dennehy

Ceist:

708 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons registered and available to provide interpretative services to persons with hearing disabilities; if he will undertake a study of the expected need for these facilities in view of the successful running of two recent pilot schemes to train interpreters; if he will examine the feasibility of establishing, with an appropriate educational institute, a full-time course to fulfil the need for interpreters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1086/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

Responsibility for the provision of a sign language service rests with my colleague the Minister for Health and Children and I do not have details of the number of persons registered and available to provide interpretative services to persons with hearing disabilities. I have, however, asked my colleague to arrange to have any relevant material, in this regard, provided to the Deputy.

The Higher Education Authority is examining a proposal to establish a centre for deaf studies at Trinity College, Dublin. I understand that the question of the availability of, and training for, sign language interpreters will be considered in this regard. The authority is consulting with various interests in the field and I understand that it expects to have this process completed shortly.