Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the reply. I welcome the fact the SEC acknowledges the increasing complexity, particularly in terms of special educational needs and examination of students with special educational needs. I also welcome the fact the SEC has committed to undertaking and will undertake a full and comprehensive review of the arrangements that are in place. The accommodations already in place are acknowledged by Dyslexia Ireland and all those who campaign on behalf of people with dyslexia. Those accommodations are valued. It is recognising the value of those accommodations that has helped identify this additional need for additional time. I welcome the fact the review will take place. I urge the SEC in completing its review to engage with all stakeholders - Dyslexia Ireland, the parents, the teachers and, indeed, some of the young people who have gone through the State examinations with dyslexia and with the benefit of the supports that are in place - in order that we can come to an accommodation that ensures every young person gets the opportunity to reach his or her full potential and the opportunity to have a positive experience from the State exams. That is what it should be. It should be a springboard from which young people move forward, confident they have the abilities to achieve their full potential.