Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 225: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that a meeting has taken place with the National Braille Production Centre; the amount of funding requested to produce books in braille for partially sighted and blind students who attend mainstream schools; the number of students waiting for all or part of their student books essential for their studies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32650/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that my officials recently met with representatives of the National Braille Production Centre (NBPC). The matter of additional funding was raised by the NBPC and it was agreed that a formal proposal would be presented to my Department. This proposal is awaited.

With regard to the element of the Deputy's question concerning the number of students awaiting the provision of braille books, the NBPC has advised that 146 clients currently have outstanding orders. Of those, 90 clients will have their books provided before Christmas. Book production for the remaining clients is in full progress and the NBPC is making every effort to have this material made available as quickly as possible.