Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Jun 1993

Vol. 432 No. 2

Written Answers. - Reading Disability.

Ivor Callely

Question:

128 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education the percentage of pupils in primary and post-primary schools who were identified as having a reading disability in the academic year 1992/1993; the most recognised cause of such a disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My Department has no readily available statistics in relation to the percentage of pupils with a reading disability.

However, while there is no general agreement as to what precisely constitutes a reading disability, it is accepted that about 10 per cent of pupils experience difficulty with reading at some stage in their schooling.

The cause of the difficulty might vary from case to case, having regard to sensory, emotional, intellectual or pedagogic factors.

The question of reading disability and the educational supports required is one of the issues being addressed by the Special Education Review Committee, whose report will be submitted to me shortly. I will consider what further measures are required in the light of the committee's recommendations.