Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I draw the attention of the House to an important event, the Career Zoo, which is due to take place free of charge on Saturday next at the Convention Centre in Dublin. Leading multinational and Irish employers will offer high quality jobs and excellent long-term career opportunities in Ireland. PayPal, a company which will be represented, is one of the leading employers in Dundalk. Also exhibiting will be Amazon and Workday. Last year more than 9,000 people attended and it is anticipated that the event will be bigger and better this year, given that more than 100 exhibitors are expected, offering jobs in IT, engineering, the pharmaceutical sector, biomedical science and so on. It is important to highlight the event and the opportunities that will be offer on Saturday.

I wish to raise one other matter.

In four months' time thousands of students will be sitting their junior and leaving certificate examinations. Concerns have been expressed to me recently about concessions for students with disabilities or learning difficulties. I have many years of experience of teaching at secondary level and I have seen great improvements in that area but it has been brought to my attention that people who have recognised learning difficulties such as dyslexia are not automatically entitled to a reader who could greatly assist them in their examinations. I was amazed to discover that they must also fulfil other criteria. This is an important point for the future of our youth. A brief exam can determine whether an individual is entitled to a reader who can influence his or her future career. I ask the Minister for Education and Skills to come to the House to discuss the facilities available for students who have learning difficulties or disabilities and what we can do to further the careers of our youth.