The report of the task force on dyslexia is currently being considered by my Department. The report deals with a range of complex issues and puts forward some 61 individual recommendations aimed at improving current services in the area in question. While I would be anxious to respond to the recommendations of the task force as soon as possible, it is important that my Department has the opportunity to consider the matters involved in detail so as to ensure that any action which is taken is properly focused and effective in addressing the special educational needs of the children in question.
With regard to the specific recommendation in the report to which the Deputy refers, I can assure the House that I am anxious that the facility of an additional year's attendance at a special school or class would be made available where considered appropriate on the basis of the professionally assessed needs of the individual student involved. However, I am equally anxious that children with dyslexia should have every opportunity to attend school on a fully integrated basis wherever possible and with additional support, if necessary, to assist them in the integrated setting. I hope to make a further announcement in relation to this matter when my Department has completed its consideration of the recommendations brought forward by the task force.
