SPECIALIST TEACHERS FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN (Availability of)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr J. F. Conceicao asked the Minister for Education how many teachers have been specially trained to teach physically handicapped children, and whether more of such teachers will be available to voluntary organisations established to care for handicapped children.

The Minister of State for Education (Dr Lee Chiaw Meng) (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, to date ten teachers have been specially trained to teach physically handicapped children. Two specially trained teachers have just been appointed and another teacher has returned with specialist training. Arrangements have been made to post these three specialist teachers to the relevant voluntary organisations.

Two more teachers are at present undergoing training in overseas institutions, and they are expected to complete their training some time this year.

Mr J. F. Conceicao (Katong): Mr Speaker, Sir, does the Minister of State consider the number of available teachers adequate for the needs of the institutions which care for physically handicapped children?

Dr Lee Chiaw Meng: Mr Speaker, Sir, in his original question the Member for Katong has only asked for those who have been specially trained. However, I am able to say that, in addition to this number, there are some 22 other teachers who have also been seconded to various voluntary organisations.