Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As regards summer provision, I have already stated that there has been a substantial increase in schools taking up the summer provision programme. It is not enough and I would be the first to say that. I also clearly articulated that we are looking at a variety of models of best practice internationally, and even going beyond that to see what other types of resources we can put in place to facilitate schools that might not believe they have the necessary staffing resources. It is a voluntary programme. Staff can volunteer to be part of the summer provision programme or they may choose, for their own reasons, not to be involved in the programme. We have put in place a number of measures this year to ensure the maximum number of people can avail of it but we are not stopping there. A full review of how the programme worked this year is taking place. We are engaging with international best practice. We are also engaging with groups and organisations that might be in a position to be part of this remodelling or re-envisioning of the summer provision programme. It is an excellent programme. I have visited many of them. I have seen them operating on the ground and the extraordinary benefit to children and young people who can avail of them. It is my ambition that there will be far more schools in a position to provide the programme.

As regards SNAs, there is no assessment required for SNA provision. In terms of the provision in schools, we have more than 19,000 SNAs now in schools, the highest number we have ever had. There is no doubt that the work of SNAs is very important. Recognising that, there has been a significant increase in the provision of SNAs in each of the budgets that I have presided over in recent years.

The Deputy specifically referenced the number of classes in her area and the difficulties there. We are coming from a base that requires that we grow. There is no doubt about that. As regards her area specifically, there are 41 new classes in the primary sector in her constituency and 22 new classes at post-primary level. It is not enough but it is significant progress from where we were. We continue to advance that body of work and yo prioritise. Testament to the priority that we are placing on this is that 25% of our budget is now expended solely on the area of special education. It is being given priority. We see that priority manifest itself in things such as summer provision, which involves a €40 million investment, double the investment in recent years, just to ensure that the maximum number of schools will be in a position to promote it. A significant body of work has been completed. There is more work to be done but we are certainly putting in the resources and ambition to ensure the maximum number of children are being supported.