Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 September 2012
172. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the way his counterparts in other countries in Europe deal with persons who have dyslexia (details supplied); if they provide particular assistance for example in Northern Ireland, England, Germany, Spain and France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41166/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI cannot comment on the arrangements in place by Government agencies in other jurisdictions to assist farmers with dyslexia. My Department however, has responded to the concerns and specific requests made by farmers with dyslexia by putting in place the changes and improvements requested to assist them with the applications process under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme. Dedicated phone lines are published to provide assistance and advice on all Department schemes and services and the Department website has the “BrowseAloud” facility. Access Officers and an Inquiry Officer are also available to provide assistance to all customers with disabilities, as required by Section 26(2) of the Disability Act 2005.
This is an ongoing process and Department officials will ensure that future publications and information documents comply, as far as practicable, with the guidelines of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland to make information accessible for people with dyslexia.
