§ The Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many children in schools in Northern Ireland are defined as deaf; and what steps are being taken to identify those who may suffer from blindness as well or from another handicap in addition to deafness.
§ Dr. MawhinneyAccording to latest information (January 1988) there were 82 deaf pupils of compulsory school age attending grant-aided primary, secondary and628W special schools. Of these, 45 suffered from one or more additional physical handicaps. No details are available about children attending grammar schools.
Under the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986 it is a matter for education and library boards to identify and make provision for children with special educational needs.
§ The Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many deaf people are resident in mental hospitals in Northern Ireland; how many of these have an additional handicap; what plans have been made for their future in the community; and if he will express these figures as a percentage of the number of residents in mental hospitals.
§ Mr. NeedhamThis information is not collected centrally. Plans for the future in the community of deaf people resident in mental hospitals are the responsibility of the health and social services boards. In drawing them up, boards take appropriate account of patients' individual needs and circumstances.