‘Boxer’ hails €6m dyslexia support funding for schools

Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran has welcomed the announcement of new measures to support children and young people with dyslexia under Budget 2027, including a €6 million investment in a pilot programme aimed at improving literacy support in schools.

Minister Moran, who has long campaigned for greater understanding and better supports for people with dyslexia, has spoken openly about his own personal experience of living with dyslexia and the challenges he encountered during his education and throughout his life.

It has been confirmed that funding has been secured for three initiatives designed to improve educational outcomes and remove barriers for children with dyslexia. Minister Moran said he understands from personal experience the importance of recognising dyslexia early, providing appropriate supports and ensuring that young people are not held back in the classroom because of difficulties with literacy.

Commenting on the announcement, Minister Moran said: “I warmly welcome this investment and the commitment to providing better supports for children and young people with dyslexia.

“Having experienced dyslexia myself, I know the challenges that it can present during your school years and beyond. Children need to be supported, encouraged and given the tools they need to learn in a way that works for them.

“Dyslexia should never be a barrier to a child's ambition, confidence or future opportunities. We need to ensure that every child is given the chance to develop their abilities and fulfil their potential.

“I have campaigned for better understanding and more effective supports for people with dyslexia for a long time. I am particularly pleased to see measures being advanced that focus on literacy teaching, teacher training and assistive technology."

The three initiatives announced under Budget 2027 are:

- Literacy Associates pilot programme

The programme will initially support up to 40 schools through graduates of Dublin City University's Master's in Education in Dyslexia. The Literacy Associates will work to enhance the quality of literacy teaching and support better outcomes for pupils.Participating schools have not yet been selected and that the full €6 million allocation will go towards the rollout of the programme.

- New accredited course in inclusive education

A new accredited course will be introduced in 2027 to strengthen professional learning for teachers. It will include a specific focus on enhancing literacy and numeracy practices in schools, including approaches to supporting pupils with dyslexia.

- Revised Assistive Technology scheme

A revised Assistive Technology scheme is also due to be launched, with the aim of removing barriers to accessing the curriculum for children with dyslexia. Minister Moran said that improving awareness must go hand in hand with practical measures to ensure that children receive the right support in the classroom.

“October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and this year's theme, ‘Effective teaching changes lives’, is particularly relevant," he said.

“Awareness is important, but we must also ensure that the right resources, training and supports are available to teachers and pupils. Early and effective support can make a real difference to a young person's confidence, educational experience and future prospects."