Jim Higgins
Ceist:118 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants, if any, available for children who have been independently assessed as having dyslexia. [12371/98]
Written Answers. - Special Education Needs.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:127 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received an application for funding from an organisation (details supplied) which assists those who are affected by specific learning difficulty; if he will approve the application; if, in view of the important work undertaken by the organisation, he will put its funding on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12473/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 127 together.
The educational needs of children with specific learning disability are generally capable of being met within the ordinary school system, with the assistance, where appropriate, of a remedial teacher. Fully qualified primary school teachers are trained to deal with a variety of reading problems, including those which are accompanied by perceptual difficulties. In addition, the special training programme for remedial teachers includes a module on specific learning disability.
Where more serious cases of difficulty arise, provision is made in one of four special schools dedicated to this area. Three of these schools are located in Dublin and one in Cork. Three special classes have also been established in ordinary primary schools to cater for the needs of children with specific learning disability. The establishment of such classes depends on the level of assessed need.
Second level pupils with specific learning disability are normally integrated into ordinary classes. In such situations they may receive additional tutorial support through the remedial teacher, guidance counsellor and subject teachers. Depending on the severity of the condition, they may also be eligible for special arrangements in the certificate examinations.
Funding is not generally made available for the provision of additional private tuition for pupils with specific learning disability. However, in 1997 my Department allocated £24,971 to the Association of Children and Adults with Learning Disability, ACLD to assist in its administration service and to facilitate access to workshops and summer schools for children from disadvantaged areas. My Department is at present considering a request for an increased level of funding for the ACLD for 1998. I hope to be in a position to respond to the ACLD shortly.