Vol. 495 No. 7
693 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that special consideration will be available to dyslexic children sitting the leaving certificate on a similar basis to that available to dyslexic children sitting the junior certificate; the reason special consideration is not given to children with moderate learning difficulties when they sit the leaving certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21300/98]
Special arrangements are made at the leaving certificate examination for students with specific learning difficulties. The criteria which apply when assessing a candidate for special arrangements on the grounds of a specific learning difficulty are identical for both the junior and leaving certificate examinations.
694 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in school identified as having dyslexia, dysgraphia and other similar learning difficulties; the measures, if any, available to help children with these difficulties; the amount of resources allocated to tackle these problems; whether teachers are given training to teach children with these learning difficulties in a mainstream environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21301/98]
My Department does not have up to date data on the number of pupils with the conditions referred to by the Deputy.
Children with dyslexia, dysgraphia and other similar conditions have access to a range of support services. In some cases, the severity of the condition is such that placement in a special school or special class is the required response. A range of such facilities is available. Each facility operates at a significantly reduced pupil teacher ratio and pupils attending such facilities attract special increased rates of capitation funding.
In other cases, the children can cope quite successfully in ordinary school settings with the assistance, if necessary, of the remedial, resource or visiting teacher service. A total of 1,302 remedial teachers, 104 resource teachers and 42 visiting teachers are currently in place in the primary system.
Funding is also available for the purchase of specialised equipment to support such children within the education system.
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 progrmme for remedial teachers includes a module on specific learning disability.
My Department also provides an educational psychological service to all post-primary schools and to more than 700 primary schools. The psychologists provide assessment services and advice to teachers and parents in respect of students with specific learning disabilities.
