Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The SLA was signed in 2015. I concur with the Deputy’s statement that blind or visually impaired children need to be supported in every way possible to ensure that they reach their full potential in our education system. Due to the complexity of Braille, though, orders generally need to be placed for books by the November before the school year in which they are required. However, if there are changes to the book list or the versions of books being used in a school or if a student amends his or her subject choices, it can cause delays in receiving a revised book, particularly for the subjects I mentioned. I acknowledge that such a delay causes considerable difficulties for the students affected and I am determined to ensure that progress is made on this matter so that these materials can be with students as soon as possible. The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has informed me of these delays. It is therefore important that the review take the tender into consideration.

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