The Mayo News

The outcry in Mayo over the loss of a teacher for visually impaired children appears to have registered with the Minister for Education, as a replacement teacher will be appointed in the new year. Teacher for visually impaired children to return


Michael Duffy

THE outcry in Mayo over the loss of a teacher for visually impaired children appears to have registered with the Minister of Education, as Fianna Fáil TD, Dara Calleary, has announced that a replacement teacher will be appointed in the new year.
Deputy Calleary said the the news was confirmed to him by Batt O’Keeffe, TD, and he was delighted that a full-time visiting teacher would be calling to blind students in Mayo in the new year.
“This is a vital service and I have spoken to many families who have been affected by the lack of a teacher to assist these students. The Department of Education and Science has now advertised the position and I am hopeful that it will be filled as soon as is possible in 2009,” added the Ballina-based deputy.
Back in October, the Mayo branch of the National Council of the Blind received a letter from an Inspector with the Department which said ‘the Department is no longer in a position to continue the restricted teacher service as heretofore’.
The service in the county catered for 55 children but the Department had decided that the visiting teacher would be replaced by a telephone consultation on Monday afternoons.
Helena Melbourne of the Mayo branch said she was absolutely delighted for the families and children involved that the decision had been reversed.
“It’s great news and there are 55 children out there who will enjoy their Christmas a lot more in the knowledge they will have their teacher back in the New Year. They were on tenterhooks over the last few months but I have to say all the families in question were all so organised and made sure that all our elected representatives were aware of the need for this decision to be reversed.
“I would particularly like to mention Deputy Michael Ring who became involved in the campaign to have this decision reversed from a very early stage,” added Ms Melbourne.
“It is not easy to have time to lobby and attend meetings when you have a blind child but all of the families were outstanding and the decision announced this week is testament to their hard work.”

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