Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 2

Written Answers. - Learning Disability.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

368 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the help, if any, available for students with dyslexia who attend classes outside school hours; if he will make a statement on the current status of support within and outside the classroom in this regard. [23043/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The educational needs of primary pupils with specific learning disability are generally capable of being met within the ordinary school system, with the assistance, where appropriate, of a remedial teacher.

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. Where more serious cases of difficulty arise, provision is made in one of four special schools dedicated to this area. Three of these schools are located in Dublin and one in Cork. Three special classes have also been established in ordinary primary schools to cater for the needs of children with specific learning disability. The establishment of such classes depends on the level of assessed need.

Second level pupils with specific learning disability are normally integrated into ordinary classes. In such situations they may receive additional tutorial support through the remedial teacher, guidance counsellor and subject teachers. Depending on the severity of the condition, they may also be eligible for special arrangements in the certificate examinations.

Funding is not generally made available for the provision of additional private tuition for pupils with specific learning disability. However, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I recently approved a special allocation of almost £25,000 to assist work carried on in this area by the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disability.

The needs of children with specific learning disability and consideration of how best to address these needs within available resources will continue to be kept under review in my Department.