Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dyslexia Sufferers.

Derek McDowell

Question:

120 Mr. D. McDowell asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself with the current provision of full-time education in special schools for children who suffer from dyslexia; and the plans, if any, she has to improve this provision. [10133/95]

Ivor Callely

Question:

127 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Education the views, if any, she has on the measures in place to assist dyslexia sufferers while attending national and primary schools; the additional measures if any, she intends to introduce in the next two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10218/95]

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

134 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education; the supports, if any, which are available in a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary for children suffering from dyslexia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10306/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 127 and 134 together.

Educational provision for children with specific reading disability is generally capable of being made within the ordinary school system, with the assistance, where appropriate of a remedial teacher. Fully qualified primary teachers are trained to deal with a variety of reading problems, including those which are accompanied by perceptual difficulties. In addition the special training programme for remedial teachers includes a module on specific reading disability. Where cases of more serious difficulty arise, provision is made in one of the four special schools dedicated to children with specific reading disability.

Over the past two years I have implemented a range of measures to further improve educational provision for children with special needs. I have allocated an additional 186 remedial teachers to ordinary primary schools. This brought the number of such teachers in place at primary level to 1,133. I also sanctioned the appointment of an additional ten psychologists to the primary school psychological service. I propose to maintain this momentum in the current year with the appointment of 55 additional remedial teachers and a further ten psychologists. The special educational needs of all children with disabilities, including those with specific reading disability, are reviewed on a regular basis. My Department is currently reviewing the needs in this particular area and consideration will be given to additional provision, if this is deemed necessary.