Vol. 489 No. 1
54 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to identify children with dyslexia as early as possible within the education system; the proposals, if any, he has to provide appropriate specialist services for all those identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7522/98]
Responsibility for assessment of children with special needs, including children with specific learning disability, dyslexia, rests with the relevant health authority through the director of community care.
However, I intend to establish a national education psychological service which will provide services for all primary and secondary schools. Proposals for the establishment of this service were included in the programme for Government. A planning group which is to make recommendations on the introduction of this service, including its role, functions and the resource implications, is expected to report to me by the end of April. The national education psychological service will then be introduced on a phased basis as resources permit.
The education needs of primary school 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.
Second level pupils with specific learning disability are normally integrated into ordinary classes. If necessary, they may receive additional tutorial support through the remedial teacher, guidance counsellor and subject teachers. Depending on their level of difficulty, they may also be eligible for special arrangements in the certificate examinations. Where more serious cases of difficulty arise, provision is made in a range of special schools and special classes dedicated to the needs of the children in question. In 1997, my Department allocated a sum of £24,971 to the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities, ACALD, to assist in its administration service and to facilitate access to workshops and summer schools for children from disadvantaged areas. My Department is at present considering a request for additional funding for the ACALD.
