Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 2

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

54 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to the urgent need of the Dyslexia Support Centre, Barringtons, Georges Quay, Limerick, to locate to alternative accommodation in view of the fact it is required to vacate its current premises in March 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3685/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The educational needs of primary pupils with specific learning disability, including those with dyslexia, should generally be capable of being met within the ordinary school system, with the support, where appropriate, of the remedial teacher service.

Fully qualified primary school teachers are trained to deal with a variety of reading problems, including those which are accompanied by perceptual difficulties. The level and quality of this training is one of the important issues to be addressed by the Review Group on Primary Teacher Training. In addition, the special training programme for remedial teachers includes a module on specific learning disability. At present, there are 1,302 remedial teachers in the primary system. I recently announced my intention to extend the remedial teacher service to all first and second level schools with effect from September 1999.

Second level pupils with specific learning difficulty are normally integrated into ordinary classes where they may receive additional support through the remedial teacher, guidance counsel lor and subject teachers. Where more serious cases of difficulty arise, provision is made in one of four special schools and seven special classes dedicated to such children. These special facilities operate at a reduced pupil-teacher ratio of 11:1.

In 1998 my Department allocated a sum of £38,111 to the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities, ACLD to assist in its administration service and to facilitate access to workshops and summer schools for children from disadvantaged areas. In the current year an allocation of £50,000 is being made available to the ACLD.

In addition, as an exceptional matter my Department made a payment of £14,000 to the Dyslexia Support Centre, Barrington, Georges Quay, Limerick last year. My Department is not however in a position to make further assistance available.

The recent package for special needs children announced by the Minister is available to children with specific learning disability, including dyslexia. In addition, I have asked my officials to review current supports, including inservice teacher training, for children with dyslexia. This review will be open to considering the full range of possible supports for the pupils involved.