Pa Daly
Ceist:117. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education if payments will be made in respect of the July Provision to persons (details supplied). [56438/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 17 November 2021
Ceisteanna (117)
Freagraí scríofa
Earlier this year, the Department announced the provision of a significantly expanded summer education programmes for pupils with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage, as a COVID-19 pandemic response measure for summer 2021.
Teachers and SNAs who were employed in the school based programme were paid on or before 7th October which was earlier than last year when claims issued the end of October.
As in previous years, a home-based programme was provided for eligible pupils where there was no place on a school programme for them. The eligibility criteria was widened significantly this year.
The guidance documentation for the home-based programme stated that payment for all correctly completed claims received by the closing date would issue on 28 October 2021.
However there was a significant increase in the number and complexity of claims involved and while the majority were paid by the 28 October 2021, unfortunately there was a delay in some payments issuing.
A total of 12,129 claims were received of which 9,229 claims had been paid out by the 11 November 2021.
Special Education have confirmed that both persons will be paid in the next payroll run on 25 November along with all the remaining fully complete claims.
The Department wishes to thank teachers and SNAs who participated in the expanded summer programme this year.