The educational needs of children with specific learning disability, sometimes referred to as dyslexia, are generally met within the ordinary school system, employing a variety of approaches to suit individual needs, with the help, where appropriate, of remedial teachers.
At present there are 1,033 remedial teacher posts assigned to national schools and 77 per cent of pupils in the country have access to the services of a remedial teacher. The Deputy may be aware of my intention to appoint an additional 100 remedial posts with effect from September next and these appointments will provide a significant extension to this service.
The needs of children with a more acute specific learning disability are met by three special schools, two in Dublin and one in Cork.
I am aware of the limited number of places available to meet the needs of children with more acute specific learning disability in the greater Dublin area. My Department is actively pursuing this issue with a view to providing an additional facility in the west County Dublin area for such children.