Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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129. To ask the Minister for Defence the special considerations that are put in place for applications from persons with dyslexia when sitting the aptitude test for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42169/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces are committed to the principles of equal opportunity, in all employment policies, procedures and regulations. The Defence Forces operate in an environment which is free from discrimination as provided for by the Equality Acts.

The Military Authorities have confirmed that when applicants are contacted regarding the Psychometric tests, they are advised to submit Education Assessment Reports, as recognised by the State Examinations Commission and the Department of Education, in the event of them having a learning difficulty. On receipt of such a report, arrangements are made with the online Psychometric Testing Company to allow extra time in both the numerical and verbal reasoning tests to take account of the applicant's learning difficulties.