Billy Timmins
Question:105 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of children who suffer from dyslexia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26602/03]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Precise information on the number of children with dyslexia in the State is not available at present. Estimates of the incidence of dyslexia usually range from 1 to 4%, depending on the definition adopted.
To assist in the planning and delivery of services, my Department is 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 service. 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 for such children operate at a reduced pupil teacher ratio of 9:1.