Special Educational Needs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2011

Wednesday, 19 October 2011

Ceisteanna (47)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

46 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will make changes to the administration of the July education programme in the future to ensure that applicants will be given sufficient notice and time to complete their application forms prior to the commencement of the scheme; his views on whether ten days is an acceptable timeframe for parents to obtain the necessary consultants’ reports and other necessary information required for the application, particularly during the summer period; if he will extend the notice for future programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30294/11]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills (Deputy Ruairí Quinn)

The Deputy will be aware that the July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism who 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. The Deputy may also be aware that the scheme is currently under review. Future improvements to the administration of the scheme will be considered in the context of this review.