I recently received the submission from TARGET to which the Deputy refers and it is receiving consideration in my Department. A response will be issued as soon as possible. I am aware that there is a significant literacy problem in this country.
My commitment to develop and enhance the programmes in place to address adult literacy and numeracy problems and adult education in general is reflected both in the policy measures proposed in the White Paper and the substantial additional funding provided in recent years to support these services.
In regard to young children I should 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 learning disability. There are currently 1,188 remedial teachers in the primary sector. Some 87 per cent of primary school pupils have access to a remedial teacher service. My intention for the present is to continue concentration of available resources on the development of school-based strategies for children with specific learning disability.
