Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Last week we had a briefing with Dyslexia Ireland in Buswells and I acknowledge the work of our colleague, Senator Tim Lombard, and other colleagues cross-party who have been supportive of the calls of Dyslexia Ireland in relation to additional exam time for students who suffer from dyslexia and other learning difficulties. It is clearly a barrier and disadvantage to dyslexic students that they do not get additional time and are treated the same as all other students. Indeed, extra time is the norm in most other European countries. The State Examinations Commission has promised a review in the next two to three years which does not show urgency on a matter for which there is widespread support. I ask the Leader to write to the Minister and indeed to the State Examinations Commission to highlight this issue.

I hope all political parties highlight this issue as part of their manifestos and the next programme for Government, whoever that is authored by, will have a commitment to provide additional time for those students who need additional time because they suffer with dyslexia. It is hugely important because they are at a disadvantage. The State Examinations Commission takes the opposite view and says extra time would provide an unfair advantage, which clearly is not correct because it is about ensuring there is a level playing field with the other students. As a result of their dyslexia, they need that little bit of extra time to allow them to reach the same levels. I ask the Leader to write to the Minister and the State Examinations Commission on this matter.