Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Boland for raising this issue regarding the importance of special education and additional education for those who are beginning their lives in our schools and who need additional support and help. I know the Deputy is aware that we have more than 3,300 special classes available across our country but, out of all those, there are 14 specifically available for children with dyslexia and we have four special schools in the country to deal with the most acute levels of reading difficulty and those who have very severe levels of dyslexia. I will certainly take on board the point that the Deputy made. I know we are looking to find additional ways in which we can support our special schools and special classes. I will raise with the Minister for Education the importance of the issue of dyslexia because we know early intervention can make a big difference and we all know how the gift of reading and being able to do it is such an important passport on one's way through the world. We can help those with dyslexia, who deserve it.

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