A group behind a new strategy to tackle dyslexia claims that on average one child in every classroom - approximately one in 25 - is suffering from the condition, which impedes progress because of reading difficulties.
Thousands of children remain undiagnosed because teachers and parents are often not sufficiently informed about the condition, according to the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities, based in Monaghan.
The group has set up a strategy to deal with the problem in Monaghan. The strategy includes training for parents and teachers, and the production of a guide to understanding dyslexia. It is funded by the Programme for Peace and Reconciliation.
The chairwoman of the Monaghan group, Ms Mary McCarey, pointed out that some eminent people - Albert Einstein, W.B. Yeats, actor Tom Cruise and British politician Michael Heseltine - suffered from dyslexia.
The group's guide says the exact causes of dyslexia are unknown, but there is evidence it may be inherited. "More boys than girls seem to experience problems, at a ratio of 4:1."
There are several early signs of dyslexia, according to the guide, including a persistent tendency to jumble words and phrases; difficulty dressing and tying shoelaces; and unusual clumsiness and poor concentration. Later, the condition manifests as difficulty with reading, writing or spelling.
The Minister for Education and Science, Mr Martin, launching the guide last night, said the Department would shortly be setting up an information campaign to raise awareness among teachers of dyslexia.
"The fundamental causes of specific learning difficulties can neither be prevented nor cured, but the effects can be greatly alleviated", the Minister said.
The guide says teachers should set "realistic goals" for a child with dyslexia. "He or she may be asked to learn fewer spellings or allowed to write a shorter essay while at the same time working to their full potential."