Irish students with dyslexia should have extra time to complete their Leaving and Junior Cert Examinations.   

That’s according to Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard, who said Ireland is at odds with other exam-systems across Europe.   

“We’re trying to progress an education system in many ways that leaves one hand tied behind your back when it comes to being dyslexic,” he said. 

“There’s no logic in a scenario that you can give extra time to third level students in exams, but you won’t give extra time to students at the secondary level.” 

Senator Lombard says this “bizarre phenomenon” creates difficulties for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. 

He said we should follow the example of other European countries.  

“What are the key issues is [dyslexic students] need more time to comprehend the actual text,” he said. “That is the European norm.” 

“But for some reason, which is slightly bizarre, Leaving Cert children to not get that extra time.” 

Petition

More than 10,000 people have signed a petition calling on the State Examinations Commission (SEC) to introduce extra time for dyslexic students in next month’s Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate exams. 

Dyslexia, which affects approximately one in 10 people, is estimated by Dyslexia Ireland to affect thousands of students due to sit the State exams next week. 

Currently, students with dyslexia can apply for other accommodations in exams, such as a waiver from the assessment of spelling, grammar and punctuation and access to reading assistance or a scribe.