Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister mentioned the Dyslexia Association of Ireland. It recently established an online petition, which was signed by 21,000 individuals, seeking the accommodation of additional time. At the moment, that is not available as standard for students with dyslexia but it is at third level. That creates an unfair situation and an unlevel playing field for those students.

In many other countries, that issue of extra time is an established option for dyslexic students at both second and third level to allow them to overcome the disadvantage those with dyslexia have. Given the experience of those with dyslexia, reflected in the engagement with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, I believe a full review is required. The Minister mentioned assistive technology and there is definitely a role for such technology. However, the NCBI has raised queries, as have the Dyslexia Association of Ireland and the deaf community.

One parent said to me recently that her son was due to sit his junior certificate this year. During his mocks, his teachers encouraged him, and rightly so, as they would with every student, to attempt all the questions but he simply did not have the time. He got a reader, but it was shared across four students. If the principles for reasonable accommodation are designed to assist a candidate in demonstrating his or her achievement, there remains substantial work to be done around this scheme.

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