Vol. 517 No. 6
441 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of meetings he has had with the Irish Deaf Society regarding its proposals for educational facilities for its members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10882/00]
Since my appointment as Minister for Education and Science, I have not had the opportunity of meeting with the Irish Deaf Society. However, officials of my Department have met with representatives of the society in relation to a variety of issues, including the development of literacy schemes for deaf people for which funding of £607,000 is being made available over a five year period.
The Higher Education Authority has recently forwarded its observations on the proposal to establish a Centre for Deaf Studies at Trinity College Dublin. The proposal is now under consideration within my Department.
I would of course be prepared to meet with representatives of the society at a mutually convenient time if such a meeting would be helpful.
