David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 413 of 8 May 2008, the number of the 13 visiting teachers for the visually impaired who hold a diploma for teachers of the visually impaired or a diploma in special education or equivalent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19970/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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All 13 Visiting Teachers for the Visually Impaired currently employed are fully qualified and probated primary or second-level teachers with at least two years teaching experience, the minimum qualification for appointment to the post of Visiting Teacher. In appointing Visiting Teachers for the Visually Impaired, preference may be given to applicants who hold additional qualifications relevant to the post of Visiting Teacher, such as a diploma for teachers of the visually impaired or a diploma in special education or equivalent.

In that regard, four of the Visiting Teachers have Masters level qualifications in Special Education from the University of Birmingham, specialising in visual impairment, while a further three have primary degrees in Special Education, specialising in visual impairment. Five have the Diploma in Special Education, and one has a Masters qualification in Biology. A number of Visiting Teachers have more than one specialist qualification in visual impairment while others are being facilitated in gaining such additional qualifications, with the assistance of the Special Education Support Service, as part of my Department's commitment to the provision of continuing professional development opportunities for Visiting Teachers for the Visually Impaired.