Bernard Allen
Question:89 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education the steps she intends to take to deal with the problem of dyslexia in Irish children.
Written Answers. - Children with Dyslexia.
All primary teachers are trained to deal with a variety of reading problems including those which are accompanied by perceptual difficulties. Remedial education in ordinary national schools will continue to be the principal method of additional support by which my Department will cater for the needs of children with reading disabilities. I would hope to further increase the resources devoted in this area as part of the arrangements agreed under the new Programme for Economics and Social Progress.
Also I have recently established a primary school psychological service on a pilot basis in two areas. A purpose of this service is the earlier and more comprehensive identification of primary school pupils with specific learning disabilities who would benefit from special remedial attention.
My Department also grant special consideration at the certificate examinations to candidates who suffer from dyslexia provided it is satisfied that the special consideration is warranted and the application, together with supporting upto-date educational psychologist's report, is submitted.