Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:415. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education the plans there are to increase schools specifically for those with dyslexia in Dublin. [43379/21]
View answerWednesday, 15 September 2021
Questions (415)
Written answers
There are no plans to expand Reading Schools at this time.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is currently undertaking Policy Advice on Education Provision in Special Classes and Special Schools to examine whether placement in specialist settings brings about improved educational outcomes and experiences, relative to their ability, for students with special educational needs.
This Policy Advice is to be completed shortly and will then be considered by my Department.
The Deputy will be aware that in May 2021, I requested my Department to arrange for a review of the policy on reading classes and schools. When received, this report will also be considered in the context of planning future provision.
It is a priority of my Department that every child receives an education. A continuum of education provision is in place covering the full range of need spanning placement in mainstream classes with supports through to more specialist placements either in a special class or a special schools depending on the level of complexity of need. My Department spends in excess of €2m annual in supporting this continuum.
Available supports include provision to meet care needs and provide additional teaching support where this is required required. In addition, there are specialist educational supports provided by the National Educational Psychological Services and the National Council for Special Education to help schools provide an appropriate education for pupils with special educational needs including reading difficulties.