Denis Naughten
Ceist:243 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if immediate funding will be approved for the establishment of a national centre for the visually impaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16374/03]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Pat Breen
Ceist:251 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the plans have been rejected for a national centre for the visually impaired to cater for children with impaired vision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16434/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 251 together.
Arising from the report of a planning group, which was established to consider proposals for the development of a national centre for the visually impaired, my Department engaged a project team to consider an overall development strategy for the implementation of the planning group's report. The report of the project team was presented to my Department towards the end of 2002.
Having given careful consideration to the matter, I decided in April 2003 that the national centre as proposed should not proceed, having regard to the low and declining pupil numbers in the schools for the visually impaired and the development costs, estimated to be in excess of €30 million.
However, my Department is willing to explore with the school authorities concerned how aspects of the proposed centre, including provision for children with additional disabilities, could be developed, in the context of available resources.
John Perry
Ceist:244 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Sligo can have resource teaching extended in view of their learning disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16377/03]
The child in question is currently sharing 2.5 hours resource teaching support per week with his twin sister. This allocation will be continued into the 2003-04 school year and will be subject to review in light of both children's evolving needs.