Vol. 520 No. 5
2 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science to list the outstanding issues still to be resolved in regard to the proposed establishment of a centre for deaf studies; if he will set out a timetable for the resolution of these issues and the establishment of the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16297/00]
Following its consultation with various interests in the field, the Higher Education Authority has recently submitted a report to my Department on the proposal to establish a centre for deaf studies in Trinity College, Dublin. The authority concludes that there is a strong case for the establishment of the centre. I have previously indicated that I am favourably disposed to such a centre, however, a number of practical issues need further clarification and my officials have commenced discussions with the authority in this regard. These issues relate to the appropriate structure and financing for the centre, the implications for the overall budgetary provision, the question of possible overlaps with other initiatives and the need for co-ordination.
Is the Minister aware that this proposal has been in the pipeline for several years and that there is not a centre of excellence for deaf education studies? In view of that, will he give an undertaking to give priority to this proposal? As well as being in the pipeline for some time in terms of lobbying by the deaf community, the Higher Education Authority considered it for some time. Will he undertake to make a final decision within the next three months on agreeing to the proposal in principle and then agreeing the detail, which is being worked out at present?
In April 1998 TCD submitted a proposal to the Higher Education Authority and on 20 March 2000 the Higher Education Authority forwarded observations on the proposal to my Department. Consultations are in progress with regard to the kind of areas I have mentioned to try and achieve finality. I accept what the Deputy says. I see this as a priority and will give the matter that treatment and try to have it concluded as soon as possible.
What time scale does the Minister envisage?
I do not want to say months, but I want to get it done right away if I can. It should be possible to get it done fairly quickly.
I welcome the Minister's commitment to this because many other initiatives on deaf education are contingent on the establishment of this centre. Will the Minister give a further commitment that the report of the Higher Education Authority will be made available to the Members of the House who are interested in receiving a copy and will he arrange to place a copy in the Oireachtas Library?
There is no difficulty with that. I will arrange to have a copy placed in the Library.
I thank the Minister.
