Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
252. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education the reason that July provision is not made available for children who are in foster care (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50826/22]
View answerOver the last two years the Summer Programme has been expanded beyond the original July Provision which offered a programme for pupils in special schools and special classes. The inclusion programme, which ran for the first time in 2021 at primary and post-primary level, allowed schools to offer a school-based programme to pupils in mainstream settings who have complex needs, as well as pupils who are at risk of educational disadvantage. A home-based programme has remained available for pupils with complex needs where their school is not running a programme. The summer programme is open to children who are in foster care and who meet the eligibility criteria.
An additional €20 million funding has been approved under Budget ’23 to continue the expanded summer programme, bringing the total to €40m for 2023. This early announcement that funding has been secured will allow schools several extra months to plan for a summer programme next year.
My Department is currently undertaking a review of the 2022 programme with a view to improving it for next year and with a committed focus on increasing the number of schools participating, particularly schools serving children with very complex needs.
Following the review of this year's programme and finalisation of planning for next year, the details of the 2023 Summer Programme will be published at the earliest possible opportunity.
