Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To follow on from what I was saying, we only need to look at the transformative educational experience that children with autism are experiencing in Ireland due to the introduction of many more special educational classrooms. Reading classes in a mainstream setting would allow these targeted supports that I have mentioned to be delivered to children with dyslexia.

It would also allow them to stay in their class in their local school with their friends and siblings. Every parish could have a reading class in the local school. Children with dyslexia often have very good social skills and they do not find the social side of school challenging.

I invite the Minister to visit the school in Kilkenny that is already fighting this fight. She can meet the children, including John and Katie. We must own up to the fact that the current way we look after children with dyslexia with resources and SET is not sufficient for children with dyslexia.

Between 5% and 8% of our population have dyslexia, but 30% of entrepreneurs have dyslexia. Children with dyslexia can be incredibly bright, but they are not able to access the information because they need extra support with reading classes.

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