Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of children with a specific learning disability within mainstream primary education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7890/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Arising from the census of special needs provision undertaken by my Department towards the end of 2003, there were 4,064 pupils with specific learning disability, SLD, attending mainstream primary schools. The census was undertaken in 2003 to ensure that up to date information on children with special educational needs was available to my Department.

Where the condition of a pupil with dyslexia is of a more serious nature, provision can be made in one of the four special schools or 23 special classes attached to primary schools and dedicated to the needs of children with dyslexia. All special schools and special classes for such children operate at a reduced pupil-teacher ratio of 9:1. My Department also provides funding to schools to purchase specialised equipment such as computers to assist children with special needs with their education, including children with dyslexia, where recommended by relevant professionals.