Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his questions. I share his concern about the possibility of regression for children with special needs. Fortunately, children in special schools and special classes are now back full time, as well as junior infants up to second class. On 15 March, the other classes will also be back.

Regarding the supplementary programme, it is a voluntary scheme that is open to all students in special schools and classes, including those with the greatest need. It provides a maximum of five hours per week, for four weeks, of one-to-one teaching and learning in the home outside of school time. One of the issues we are looking at and on which we are working with the education partners is the fact that the support is provided in the evenings and at weekends. We hope to be in a position to provide a supplementary programme within the school setting. We spent €30 million on PPE for teachers last year, and will spend the same this year, and they are working with very small numbers. Like any decision the Department makes, this arrangement is based on public health advice. We would not be putting forward a programme in the first instance if we did not have the safety of the children and families involved at the forefront of our consideration. I hope that has provided some clarity for the Deputy.