Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements that have been explored in relation to providing a visiting teacher for visually impaired children in County Mayo. [35284/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 152: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of people who had been availing of the visiting teacher service for visually impaired people in County Mayo prior to its cessation. [35285/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the annual costs, in each of the past five years, of providing a visiting teacher service for visually impaired children in County Mayo. [35286/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 to 153, inclusive, together.

In relation to Co. Mayo, referral agencies, schools and parents of pre-school children with visual impairment currently are being informed by Visiting Teacher management of an interim telephone advisory service that is now being provided while alternative arrangements for a Visiting Teacher presence in Co. Mayo are examined. New referrals to the service continue to be accepted and assessed.

Most recent caseload figures for Co. Mayo show a total of 51 children who are eligible for support from the Visiting Teacher service on current criteria. These break down as follows: 6 of pre-school age, 23 in primary schools, 8 at second-level and 14 in special schools.

Costs relating to the provision of the Visiting Teacher service in Co. Mayo are being calculated in my Department and the relevant details will be sent to the Deputy as soon as they have been compiled.