Vol. 410 No. 2
215 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education the number of assessments, in respect of dyslexia, provided to her Department in support of a request for more lenient marking of State examinations in the current year; the number in respect of whom concessions have been granted; and her views on whether children with dyslexia should get concessions.
When he refers to assessments in respect of dyslexia I take it that the Deputy is referring to psychological and other evidence that a candidate is affected by dyslexia, i.e., affected by a specific learning difficulty. The number of applications for special consideration in the 1991 examinations on the grounds of specific learning difficulty was 439. Of these, 299 applications were granted following consideration of all the evidence by my Department's psychological service.
Applications for special consideration in respect of a specific learning difficulty are referred for consideration by the psychological service of my Department and such requests are granted provided my psychologists are satisfied that special consideration is warranted.
I should add that special consideration does not mean more lenient marking. In the case of candidates who have a specific learning difficulty it often amounts to no more than ensuring that the candidates' answerbooks are marked by examiners who are experienced in marking the work of such candidates and in deciphering their handwriting. In extreme cases it may also consist of allowing the candidate the assistance of a person to read the questions and allowing the candidate the use of a tape recorder.
