Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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25. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether her Department has taken a position to open no more "reading classes" for children with severe dyslexia; to clarify the basis on which any such decision has been taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59675/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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At the outset, I want to acknowledge the dedicated work ongoing in these classes. I have also had a number of discussions with officials in the department about reading classes, as well as having raised the issue with the Inspectorate.

It is my department’s policy, in accordance with the principles of inclusive education, that students with additional learning needs to the greatest extent possible, attend mainstream classes along with their siblings, neighbours and peers, with additional supports provided as necessary. This approach also reduces the distances that some children are travelling to access education.

My department provides over 15,000 special education teachers to support schools to achieve this objective. This means schools get a substantial additional teaching allocation to support children with special education needs in mainstream classes. These additional resources are provided to support students with the greatest level of need, including those with dyslexia or severe dyslexia.

To build the capacity of teachers in mainstream schools to meet the needs of all students my department funds 338 places annually for teachers to attend post-graduate special education needs programmes.

Separately, the NCSE offers dedicated professional learning opportunities for teachers supporting students with additional needs.

The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) has published guidance on Supporting Students with Literacy Difficulties/ Dyslexia Using the Continuum of Support. NEPS also offers professional learning opportunities to all primary and post primary school teachers on supporting children and young people with literacy difficulties, including dyslexia.

Funding is also available to schools for the purchase of specialised equipment to assist children. Schools can apply to the NCSE, through their local SENO for such support.

My department is committed to delivering an education system which meets the needs of all students including those with dyslexia. It's important to say that the need for any additional provision or resources for schools to support students with dyslexia is kept under constant review by the NCSE.