Austin Currie
Ceist:70 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education if she will give details of the research into the problem of dyslexia being currently sponsored by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dyslexia Research.
Jim Higgins
Ceist:100 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education if she will give details of the research into the problem of dyslexia being currently sponsored by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 100 together.
The term dyslexia is sometimes used to describe the problem experienced by certain children in learning to read and which cannot be accounted for by limited ability or by emotional or extraneous factors. My Department, in conjunction with the Education Research Centre in Drumcondra, Dublin, conducted a survey of 11-year-old and fifth class pupils in May, 1993 to establish their reading attainment levels and to monitor trends in reading achievement over time. Pupils with low levels of achievement in reading were a specific focus of the survey. The data gathered is being analysed at present and I expect that the findings will be submitted to me in due course.
In addition, a survey aimed at identifying the extent of disability in ordinary national schools, including difficulties associated with reading, was undertaken by the Special Education Review Committee in 1992. This survey had the purpose of informing the committee in recommending what additional support services are required to meet the educational needs of the children in question. I expect that the review committee's report will be submitted to me in the very near future.