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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Extra exam time for dyslexia

Summary

Deputy O'Sullivan urged extra State exam time for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties, noting a long review by the SEC. The Minister said he would ask the Education Minister to respond and engage on the issue.

One in ten learners have dyslexia. Next Tuesday, 8 October, is World Dyslexia Day. There is a campaign for the provision of extra time during State exams for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia and other learning difficulties. The lack of extra time is a barrier and disadvantage for dyslexic students. Additional time is the norm already in many European countries and even here we make provision at third level. To be fair to the State Examinations Commission it has promised a review but unfortunately it estimates this review will take up to three years. Earlier, I heard the Minister rightfully defend the Minister, Deputy Foley's, intervention regarding mobile phones and the positive mental health impacts that can bring for students. These students left in limbo while this review is going on will suffer adversely in terms of their own mental health and the stresses the exams and lack of time brings.

Will the Minister support the campaign? Will he try his best to bring that timeline forward?

Comment on this

I appreciate the points the Deputy has raised on the behalf of those with dyslexia, dyscalculia or other challenges who are engaging in State examinations. I will ask the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, who I am sure the Deputy has engaged with, to respond to this campaign. The Department of Education is responsive to the needs of many students in how it supports them, for example, through the school day, and in the wider provision we are making within our education system. I will ask the Minister to engage with the Deputy on the issue.

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