Vol. 513 No. 2
174 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to introduce a substantial component into primary teacher training in relation to learning disorders, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention deficit disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2058/00]
Students undertaking the bachelor of education degree or the graduate diploma in education, primary teaching, in St. Patrick's and Mary Immaculate colleges of education now follow a course module on special education. This module covers the broad range of issues in special education, including issues such as those mentioned by the Deputy.
In the Church of Ireland and Coláiste Mhuire, Marino colleges of education, particular attention is paid to special needs and learning difficulties arising from various factors under "method studies" in English and mathematics.
In the case of the Froebel College of Education, students have a course module under remedial work. This deals with learning difficulties arising from special needs, again including issues such as those mentioned by the Deputy.
I set up an expert group in 1999 to examine the content and duration of pre-service teacher education programmes, primary, in the colleges of education. The issues mentioned by the Deputy are being raised as part of that review. The report of the review group should be completed later this year.
