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Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Written Answers Nos. 199-200

Third Level Admissions

Ceisteanna (199)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

199. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if schools will be allowed accept exchange students from Europe in September 2020 for exchange and work placement programmes. [5866/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school and is responsible for making decisions as to the types of activities in which the school gets involved including participation in student exchange programmes.

On the 1 May 2020, the Taoiseach announced as part of the "Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business" that schools will commence opening on a phased basis at the beginning of the 2020/2021 academic year. The Department is currently working with the Education Partners and relevant stakeholders in planning for this re-opening which will be based on public health advice.

As part of this engagement, each of the education partners were given the opportunity to outline the key issues that they would like to have considered in the context of re-opening schools. Initiatives such as the student exchange programmes will be considered in this context. These will now be worked through in detail as part of the development of the roadmap for reopening schools.

A core objective will be to ensure that schools and other education settings can re-open and operate in a safe manner that is consistent with public health advice.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (200)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

200. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the July provision programme will take place in 2020 (details supplied). [5891/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am committed to running a summer Provision type programme for children with complex needs this year as soon as it is safe to do so and in accordance with public health advice. 

My Department is exploring a number of options for a summer education programme for children with complex special needs.

The primary aim of the proposed programme would be to limit potential regression in learning thereby ensuring in so far as possible that these children can reintegrate and transition into their planned education setting for next year with their peers.

This may be done through a targeted level of supports to address regression of social skills and re-establish tolerance of routines paving the way for reintegrating full time into education when schools reopen in the autumn.

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