Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy referred to an assessment for SNAs. I made it clear that there is no assessment for SNAs. There is an appeals system for every aspect of the education sector. The appeals system adjudicates the needs of the school and student. It is an independent mechanism and is afforded across a variety of different aspects of education.

There is very much forward planning when it comes to ASD classes. We are better now than was the case perhaps in years gone by. For example, it will be automatic for all new school builds. A 1,000 pupil post-primary school will have a four-classroom SEN base. The position will be likewise for primary schools, depending on their size. The NCSE is charged with working hand in hand with schools, SENOs and parents, because that is the model we would like to see going forward. This will ensure that parents have less of a burden. As the Deputy has clearly articulated, there is less of a burden being placed on parents in terms of the provision of places.

On the summer provision programme, I hear the frustrations expressed by the Deputy. I want the maximum number of schools to be in a position to offer the programme and, at the very least, make the relevant facilities available. However, the programme is voluntary. I have engaged with many parents who were disappointed that the programme was not being run in their schools, but they accepted the decision of the staff not to make themselves available for the programme. It is for that reason, as I articulated earlier, that we are looking at other models abroad. We are also looking at other groups and organisations that might well be able to come into schools and, maybe, run these programmes. I recognise that the maximum number of students cannot avail of this programme. We are looking at alternative means now to see how we can provide in a better way. Notwithstanding the fact that the number this year is an increase on the number in previous years, the programme is not growing at the greater pace at which I would like it to grow.