Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 8

Written Answers. - Teacher Training.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

94 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Education the steps, if any, her Department is taking or plans to take to improve the training of teachers who should be alert to the problems of children with dyslexia; the steps, if any, which have been taken in the past in this regard; the plans, if any, there are to develop better recognition of the problem in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24240/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

Student teachers in the colleges of education for primary teachers receive training on specific reading and other learning disabilities. In particular, student teachers are trained in the early identification of and intervention with children who exhibit special educational needs.

In relation to in-career development programmes, my Department has supported courses in remedial education for many years. I established a national training programme in remedial education in 1994. This programme is provided in three universities and in three colleges of education. The courses under this programme deal with the diagnosis and identification of reading difficulties and appropriate techniques of intervention with children. The courses also focus directly on the problem of specific learning disability as it relates to diagnosis and pedagogy. My intention is to continue the programme.

Many shorter in-service courses for teachers in the area concerned have been provided, with the support of my Department, through the network of education centres and through the programme of primary summer courses. Support for such courses will continue.