Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 16 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 2

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

542 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the kind of additional supports which his Department can make available to a secondary school pupil who is dyslexic; and the process of assessment for access to these supports in each case. [23944/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The national educational psychological service is available to all post-primary schools recognised by my Department to offer advice on the educational supports required by pupils suffering from any of a number of specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia. My Department then puts in place the educational supports recommended by the NEPS.

Pupils affected by specific learning difficulties at the time they are preparing for State examinations may be afforded reasonable accommodations by my Department in relation to the junior and leaving certificates. Depending on the circumstances of each case, pupils may have examination papers read to them, may tape their answers on audio-tape, may type their answers on word processor, or may be granted a waiver in relation to the assessment of spelling and grammar in language subjects.

My Department also operates a scheme for the provision of grants for schools towards the purchase of equipment for the use of pupils with certain disabilities or communication difficulties. Computer equipment and software are items that may be provided. Under the terms of the scheme the school authorities make an application in respect of an individual pupil.