Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 1

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Joe Higgins

Question:

621 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Education and Science the structures he intends to put in place in the education system to ensure that children with dyslexia are promptly assessed and receive the specialist tuition they require; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11021/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The National Educational Psychological Service has responsibility for the assessment of students at first and second level, including students with dyslexia. In June 2001, I secured Government approval for the accelerated expansion of NEPS with a view to its achieving full nationwide coverage of all schools by the end of 2002, two years ahead of schedule.

As an interim measure, I also secured Government approval for an allocation of €1.59 million to facilitate the engagement of private assessment services by schools in areas where the NEPS service is not yet available. Guidelines for the commissioning of psychological assessment services from private practitioners were issued to the principals of all first and second-level schools in August 2001.

Central to the work of the task force on dys lexia, established by me in October 1999 were issues relating to the assessment and support of children with dyslexia within the education sector. The task force has now presented its report. The report deals with the range of complex issues associated with dyslexia and puts forward 61 individual recommendations aimed at improving services in this area. The report of the task force, which is currently being considered in my Department, will provide an important input into the future development of services for students with dyslexia, including assessment services and the necessary educational responses.