Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 3

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Noel Ahern

Question:

236 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the progress regarding the task force on dyslexia; when it will report; if interim or full reports will be available; if it is his intention to introduce a long-term strategy on the issue from primary through to secondary school; if there is any special teaching resource in a school (details supplied); and if he will help allay the concerns of parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16317/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The task force on dyslexia has completed its detailed deliberations and expects to present its final report next month. The task force was required to examine the adequacy of current educational responses to children with dyslexia and to make any recommendations considered necessary for the further improvement of services in this area. Its remit extended across the needs of students at first and second level. I am confident that the report of the task force will provide a valuable input into the development of a long-term strategy to address the educational needs of children with dyslexia at first and second level and I look forward to receiving its report in the near future.

The school to which the Deputy refers currently has the services of a learning support teacher and a resource teacher to assist it in catering for children with special needs. However, I have asked my Department's inspectorate to review the needs of the school to ensure that the support services available to the school are adequate to meet its needs.