Vol. 498 No. 4
419 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in replying to a letter (details supplied) regarding the provisions of facilities for dyslexic children within second level education; when this reply will be forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27415/98]
The substance of the letter in question dealt with the provision made for pupils with specific learning difficulties in the certificate examinations. A letter setting out the position in this regard was issued to the parent concerned by the examinations branch of my Department in June last.
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.
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 funds to the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities to assist in its administration service and to facilitate access to workshops and summer schools for children from disadvantaged areas. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that an additional sum of £50,000 has been allocated to the association.
I recently announced a major new initiative in the special education area under which all children assessed as having special educational needs will be entitled to an automatic response to those needs. The level and nature of the response in each case will depend on the assessed needs of the child or group of children involved. The response may take the form of full or part-time special support teaching and-or child care support depending on the number of children involved and the nature of their needs. In the case of specific learning disability severe dyslexia children who are so assessed will qualify for support under this new initiative.
