Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 444: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if measures are in place ensuring school books in braille ordered before the summer break are provided when returning to school in the new term in September. [26467/07]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 445: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in the provision of the braille school books to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; if there is a timescale for the delivery of the remaining braille books; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26468/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 444 and 445 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, the National Braille Production Centre (NBPC), which is an integral part of the services provided by St. Joseph's School for the Visually Impaired in Drumcondra, Dublin, was established in 2000 to provide blind/visually impaired pupils at first and second level with textbooks in braille and other alternative formats. The NBPC produces educational materials in braille, large print format and text-only for children who are blind or visually impaired. It is an essential service to children and young people who are blind or visually impaired and without it many of them would not be able to access mainstream education or undertake the Junior and Senior Cycle examinations. My Department's Visiting Teacher Service for the Visually Impaired (VTVI) has a significant role to play in the process of ordering books or materials on behalf of a particular student. In 2006, a protocol was agreed between the NBPC and the VTVI regarding the provision of educational materials in alternative formats. Due to the technical processes involved, the NBPC requires a significant notice period in relation to orders for the materials in question.

In this particular case, the order was placed in July 2007. A significant proportion of the books required has already been made available for the pupil. I understand that, taking the special circumstances of this particular case into consideration, the NBPC is working towards having the order for the remaining books completed by the end of the current school term. It is accepted practice that the Braille books are delivered in volumes throughout the school year, due to the lengthy transcription process. I understand that officials from the NBPC have been in contact with the parents of the pupil referred to by the Deputy and have invited them to a meeting to discuss their concerns.