What is the Government's policy on the use of reading schools and reading classes in our education system? Reading schools are special schools with low pupil-teacher ratios that are designed to meet the needs of children with severe dyslexia. Due to their success, a number of reading classes have been set up. These are attached to mainstream primary schools and perform the same function. Countless parents I have spoken to have referred to the benefits their children have gained from reading classes. However, the NCSE has put in place a moratorium on the setting up of new reading schools. As the Minister, Deputy Chambers, is aware, the NCSE blocked the creation of a new reading class at St. Francis Xavier school in Blanchardstown. A constituent of ours had to go as far as suing the Department of Education in the High Court in order to get access to a reading school. There is no reference to reading schools, reading classes or dyslexia in the programme for Government. What is the policy?

I thank Deputy O'Gorman. I made representations, as I know he did, under the previous Government in respect of reading classes and reading schools. We are both active on the case to which he refers on behalf of many parents of children who attend St. Francis Xavier school. I will ask the Minister for Education to respond to Deputy O'Gorman directly. I know how important reading classes are for particular children and their needs. I know this has been reflected to us directly in Dublin West. As stated, I will ask the Minister for Education to respond directly and I will continue to take up the case with her also.