Insurance Coverage

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021

Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Questions (550)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

550. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 446 of 24 February, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the lack of insurance cover for teachers and special needs aassistants, SNAs, working under this programme will further disadvantage children with special needs from Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools, DEIS, schools whose parents may not be in a position to pay for private insurance; if she will address this issue, as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13447/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The supplementary programme is intended to supplement the teaching and learning provided by the student's school and alleviate the impact of this period of school closure through the provision of 5 hours per week in-person teaching or care support to be delivered in homes.

The programme must be delivered outside of the normal school day (i.e. evenings and weekends), so that the student can continue to engage as fully as possible with the teaching and learning provided by their school.

Any unused hours can be delivered to families at any time before 30 April 2021, including during the Easter holidays.

My Department has been contacted by schools and families who wish to access the supplementary programme in school settings. My Department is willing to engage with the education stakeholders, particularly the school management bodies on the logistical issues which may need to be considered in the running of this programme in school premises, particularly as this programme is intended to happen outside of school hours such as evenings and weekends.