Vol. 530 No. 3
288 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will arrange for twice yearly visits by psychologists to primary schools to detect under-achieving and dyslexic pupils; if he will ensure that the teacher training syllabus will include training to detect dyslexia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3852/01]
The number of visits per annum to each school served by the National Educational Psychological Service depends upon identified needs. An important part of the psychologist's work is to assist principals and teachers to develop procedures for screening, identifying and prioritising those students who are most in need of help. This includes students who under-achieve due to specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. In consultation with each school, the psychologist is able to estimate the numbers of students who may need psychological intervention and consequently the amount of time that needs to be spent in the school. It would be inadvisable to specify a limited number of visits per annum.
All undergraduate courses in colleges of education have elements on the teaching of reading and on the identification of mild reading difficulties. More severe and specific reading difficulties – dyslexia – are dealt with by remedial teachers and they receive training in postgraduate courses in remedial education in a number of colleges of education. They receive training in the use of a range of diagnostic and other tests.
It is generally accepted that the identification, diagnosis and remediation of specific reading disability – dyslexia – is an interdisciplinary process involving teachers and psychologists.
An expert group was set up in 1999 to examine pre-service teacher education programmes for primary teachers. This group is required to have regard to developments in relation to catering for children with special needs, including dyslexia. The report of the group is due to be completed shortly.
I also established a task force in October of last year to examine educational provision for children with dyslexia. I expect to have the report and recommendations of the task force shortly.
