Vol. 538 No. 4
114 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will deal with the delays which are arising with the proposed extension of the school year at St. Francis Special School, Beaufort, County Kerry to ensure that pupils at this school have educational services through the month of July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18202/01]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that all schools with special provision for pupils with autism and severe or profound general learning disability, including the school referred to, have been notified regarding the proposed education programme for July. A special rate of remuneration is being made available to teachers and special needs assistants participating in the delivery of the July programmes. In addition, extra remuneration is being offered to principals of participating schools in respect of the preparatory work involved in developing the July programmes. Schools participating in the programme will also receive a special rate of capitation funding in respect of participating children, amounting to 1.5 times the normal monthly captitation rate for children with autism. Funding is also available for transport arrangements for participating children. I am confident that this extension of service through the month of July will prove to be of major benefit to the pupils concerned.
