Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs. – Dáil Éireann (29th Dáil) – Tuesday, 24 Jun 2003

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

John Perry

Question:

249 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider his decision to reject plans for a national centre for the visually impaired to allow children with very special and individual needs to be given the opportunity to fulfil their potential through the provision of an all-encompassing centre of excellence; if the necessary funding will be provided for facilities for assessment, early intervention, education, therapeutic support, multi-disciplinary management and care and vocational training for children both in Dublin and countrywide through outreach and residential visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17474/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

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 could be developed, in the context of available resources.

Dáil Éireann debate - Tuesday, 24 Jun 2003