Nora Owen
Question:172 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance, counselling advice or grants available to a child with dyslexia in sixth class primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20866/98]
Written Answers - Learning Disabilities.
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.
I recently allocated an additional 60 remedial teachers to primary schools. The total number of remedial teachers in place at primary level now stands at 1,302.
Where more serious cases of difficulty arise, provision is made in one of four special schools dedicated to the needs of such children. Three of these schools are located in Dublin and one in Cork. Special classes have also been established in a number of primary schools in areas where a need for such classes has been identified. There are six such classes in place at present.
The pupil-teacher ratio applicable in special schools and special classes catering for these children is 11:1. Pupils attending these facilities also attract special capitation funding at a rate of £253 for children under 12 years and £413 for children of 12 years or over.
My Department also provides an educational psychological service which is currently available to more than 700 primary schools. The psychologists provide assessments and advice to teachers and parents in respect of students with specific learning disability. The advice of my Department's Inspectorate is also available to schools catering for children with specific learning disability. The needs of children with specific learning disability are kept under ongoing review to ensure the best possible level of response to their needs.