Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for being here this morning. I have tabled this Commencement Matter on behalf of those who have been diagnosed with dyslexia, their families, teachers and friends and the society that represents those with dyslexia and dyspraxia. I am asking for an update from the Minister on what engagement the Department has had with the SEC on their request for extra time for students with dyslexia or dyspraxia to complete exams. When we think about it, we have all got our own challenges, abilities and disabilities; some of them seen, some of them not. Dyslexia and dyspraxia are two quite common challenges that a lot of people have. Some of the brightest names in history - people such as Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Albert Einstein, many Hollywood stars and many other great names who succeeded in the world, made their mark and made huge contributions to society, culture, commerce, engineering and all walks of life - had dyslexia. As a young person trying to develop as a person and move from childhood to adolescence, one of the biggest challenges we all face is going through and completing State exams. It is a very daunting challenge even for the brightest and most capable of students because it is the first time in a person’s life they are objectively, independently measured on their academic capacity. Even the brightest, most capable, most prepared and well-resourced students can struggle in that moment of examination and the pressure of exam time.

When we then think of those who have the additional challenge of dyslexia and dyspraxia, it is not too much to ask that we recognise and support those students to achieve their maximum potential. I fully acknowledge the additional supports that are in place for students with additional learning needs, they are very welcome and valued. However sometimes time is the most precious commodity. For those students in an exam setting; time is incredibly valuable. For the students, teachers, parents friends, supporters and community, the society that represents those students is asking simply that they be given some extra time when it comes to completing their educational exams. I am hoping the Minister of State can provide an update on what engagement the Department has had with the SEC and I look forward to his updating the House in a positive way on what progress has been made to meet that request. It is a reasonable request with which I hope the Minister of State agrees and I hope he will be forthcoming with a positive response.