Vol. 389 No. 7
asked the Minister for Education whether she has established a register of children affected by dyslexia in this country; the manner in which assessment is being carried out to determine the extent of dyslexia in various schools throughout the country; if she anticipates an improvement or an extension of the assessment system in the schools in the foreseeable future; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
188.
asked the Minister for Education if she will award aid from the proceeds of the national lottery or an alternative source to the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia); if her attention has been drawn to the work undertaken by this association; if she will favourably consider an application for grant aid to further these works; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.
Dyslexia is not a specific condition but is a general term used to refer to various difficulties associated with reading disability. Accordingly, I am advised that no useful purpose would be served by the setting up of a school-based register on the lines implied in the Deputy's question. Teachers are urged to note particular learning difficulties pupils may have and to bring them to appropriate attention. Assessment in the area referred to by the Deputy is, however, carried out by the schools' medical service or by reference to one of the assessment teams based in the health boards or child guidance clinics.
The headings open to my Department under which an award of grant aid might be sought from the proceeds of the national lottery would not enable an application from the association referred to be considerd and I regret there are no other funds available to me from which grant aid could be paid.
