§ Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many educationally sub-normal children are estimated to be in Northern Ireland; how many school places are available in Northern Ireland to cater for them; how many educationally sub-normal children are estimated to be within the jurisdiction of the Southern Education and Library Board; and how many places are provided in that area.
§ Mr. MoyleThere are approximately 23,000 children who are either educationall sub-normal or retarded to a degree requiring withdrawal from normal class for special treatment who attend ordinary schools in Northern Ireland. Approximately 600 special classes or their equivalent where withdrawal for special treatment is necessary are available in schools in Northern Ireland. In addition there are about 1,500 educationally sub-normal children who attend special schools.
The corresponding figures for children who attend ordinary schools in the Southern Education and Library Board area are approximately 4,900 and 150 respectively.