Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 5

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Question:

423 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if the committee which is assessing the need for reform in the education system in order to better cope with the needs of children with dyslexia has reported; if he has received interim recommendations from the committee's work; and if he has taken initiatives in order to improve the services to such children. [5402/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The task force on dyslexia has completed its work and presented its report to my Department in November 2001. The report of the task force, which deals with a wide range of complex issues, is now being considered in my Department. Copies of the report can be accessed on my Department's website and arrangements are being made to make printed copies of the report available in the near future.

The educational needs of pupils with dyslexia of primary school age are generally capable of being met within the mainstream school sector with the support, where necessary, of the remedial teacher service or the resource teacher service. There are currently 1,485 remedial teachers and more than 1,500 full-time equivalent resource teacher posts in primary schools. For some children, the severity of the condition can be such as to require placement in a special school or a special class attached to an ordinary school. At present, there are four special schools and 20 special classes dedicated to children with dyslexia.

At second level, pupils with dyslexia are normally integrated into mainstream classes. In such situations they may receive additional tutorial support through the remedial teacher, guidance counsellor and subject teacher. Depending on the severity of the condition, they may also be eligible for special arrangements in the certificate examinations. In December 2000, I announced a highly innovative nationwide pilot scheme to assist second level students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Thirty-one schools around the country are participating in the pilot project costing £2 million. Each student with dyslexia is provided with a laptop computer and specially designed software for school and home use.

In addition to funding in-school support services, my Department supports the work of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland in providing classes for children with dyslexia outside of school hours. An annual funding allocation of €63,486.90 – £50,000 – is made to the association to support this work.