Finian McGrath
Question:472 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children with dyslexia in the State; and if they will receive the maximum support. [19743/03]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Precise information on the number of children with dyslexia in the State is not currently available. Estimates of the incidence of dyslexia are usually in the range 1-4%, depending on the definition adopted. To assist in the planning and delivery of services, my Department is at present developing a database of pupils with special educational needs, including those with dyslexia. In that regard, a census form recently issued to all primary schools. This form is intended to collect information in relation to all pupils with special educational needs.
Children with dyslexia are generally catered for on an integrated basis in ordinary primary schools where they can be supported by the learning support teacher service or the resource teacher ser vice. At present, there are approximately 2,500 resource teachers and 1,531 learning support teachers in the primary system.
Where the condition is of a more serious nature, provision can be made in one of the four special schools or 23 special classes attached to ordinary primary schools and dedicated to the needs of children with dyslexia. All special schools and special classes dedicated to children with dyslexia operate at a reduced pupil teacher ratio of 9:1.
Finian McGrath
Question:473 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will include children with dyslexia in the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2003, (details supplied) and ensure that the Dyslexia Association of Ireland get the maximum support, advice and assistance. [19744/03]
John Gormley
Question:593 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science if the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2003, will contain wording which will leave no room for doubt that children with dyslexia are covered by the Bill and that they can benefit from its key provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20535/03]
Ciarán Cuffe
Question:737 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider including dyslexia within the terms of the Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill 2003. [21319/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 473, 593 and 737 together.
It is my intention that the definition of disability in section 1 of the Bill will cover dyslexia and that children with dyslexia will enjoy the protections conferred by the Bill, once it becomes law. I stated at the launch of the Bill that I would like interested people to consider the Bill carefully and while consultations were held with a wide range of interests before the Bill was published, I am committed to a further period of consultation before enactment. My aim is to ensure that all views are heard and, where practicable, taken into account.
The concerns of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland can be accommodated and I have written to them recently stating this and that my Department will be in contact with them to arrange a meeting as part of the consultation process.