McGimpsey voices concerns over Dyslexia Support Funding
Ulster Unionist South Belfast assembly candidate Michael McGimpsey has voiced concerns over assistance government offers dyslexia support groups in Northern Ireland.
In a statement, Mr McGimpsey said: “In 2001 the Department of Education’s Task Group on Dyslexia warned that a high level of under-reporting (perhaps as much as 300%) would mean that ’many pupils who are dyslexic will continue to struggle, unsupported, with their difficulties both during their school career and into adult life’.
“In the House of Lords, UUP Peer Lord Laird asked which government agency has responsibility to target funding for groups supporting dyslexia sufferers, and how much funding has been delivered.
“Funding for services typically comes through education and library boards, but what about adult provision? There apparently is “no specific body that provides government funding in Northern Ireland to groups offering help and support to people with dyslexia”.
“The central funding that did manage to percolate down to support groups was small. Under Direct Rule, just £7,675.79 has been offered to dyslexia support groups by Northern Ireland departments.
“In 2004, just over £5,500 was released to dyslexia support groups. At the same time, the NIO spend £16 million on external consultants.
“Why is paying out to consultants a higher spending priority that offering valuable support for voluntary and charitable organisations working in the heart of our communities? This gives a clue as to where government priorities lie.
“The government has the money. For example, last July it was revealed that the Department of Employment and Learning had posted up a £46 million underspend for 2005. During that financial year, dyslexia groups received not one penny in support.”
He added: “One in 10 Britons experience mild or severe dyslexia. This is a widespread problem. A restored assembly must look closely at this issue.”