Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 January 2014
103. Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) was disallowed the July provision for students with severe learning needs, when every other student in the class received it, especially given the complex needs of the child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2092/14]
View answerThe July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism that choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided.
Staff working in schools are not obliged to work for the extended school year and schools may choose to limit their participation in the programme where necessary.
In July 2013, at the request of the school my Department approved 40 hours Home Based July Provision for the child in question.
The Deputy refers to the complex needs of this child and my officials, NEPS and the National Council for Special Education are actively engaged with the authorities of the school that she attends to assess and provide the level of support required to cater for her needs.
