Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 1

Written Answers. - Primary School Psychological Tests.

Noel Ahern

Question:

249 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education the current position for parents of children in primary school who require psychological assessments due to dyslexic or other conditions; the difficulties and delays they encounter for such essential facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter covering the number of parents who are forced, due to delays or means tests, to go privately for assessment and tuition to the ACLD; the level of State funding made available to this organisation; and the plans, if any, she has to make such services available to every parent; and the grants or tax relief she will provide to such parents. [12870/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Responsibility for psychological assessment of children at primary level rests with the relevant health authority through the director of community care.

My Department is currently in the process of developing a school psychological service at primary level on a phased basis. However, it will be some time before this new service will be in a position to take on responsibility for educational assessment from the health authorities. My Department does not have information on the number of parents who go privately for assessment and tuition to the ACLD.

The educational needs of children with specific reading disability — dyslexia — are generally capable of being met within the ordinary school system, with the assistance, where appropriate, of a remedial teacher or other specialist teacher. The special training programme for remedial teachers includes a module on specific reading disability. Where more serious cases of difficulty arise, provision is made in one of four special schools for reading disabilities. Three of these schools are located in Dublin and one in Cork. It is proposed to establish a special unit in a primary school in Dublin in September 1996 to cater for children with specific reading disability.

Officials of my Department have met representatives of the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities (ACLD). Proposals aimed at supporting that organisation are presently being considered by ACLD and my Department is awaiting its response.

The needs of children suffering from specific reading disability and other related conditions and the consideration of how best to address these needs within available resources will continue to be kept under review in my Department.

The question of tax relief is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance. All children with learning difficulties are eligible to receive services provided through my Department, irrespective of means.