Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:10 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the facilities available in Galway city to provide special tuition for a pupil (details supplied) in County Galway who is suffering from dyslexia. [12891/95]
Written Answers. - Special Tuition Facilities.
The educational needs of primary school pupils suffering from specific reading disability (dyslexia) are generally capable of being met within the ordinary school system, with the assistance, where appropriate, of a remedial teacher. I understand that the child in question has the benefit of a remedial teacher service in the school which she is currently attending. In addition, this school has a range of special education services and there is considerable expertise among the staff in dealing with children with special needs.
I should also point out that fully qualified primary school 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. I can also advise the Deputy that a total of 132 primary schools in County Galway currently have access to a remedial teaching service. These schools account for approximately 71 per cent of the children attending primary schools in the county.