Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair. I have already outlined I am very committed to expanding summer provision to the widest of its capacity. I appreciate the Chair has a particular interest in that. There is significant interest and commitment at this committee regarding the expansion of summer provision. As I said, a body of work is under way to see how we can improve and enhance it even more for next summer. I appreciate the engagement of everybody here.

On the SNAs and the method of appeal, the NCSE streamlined the appeals system this year. There is always further scope in future but it simplified the process this year. The Chair raised an interesting point regarding school transport and an element of trial around what method best suits a child with additional needs. I will take that with me. A child with additional needs, however, is automatically provided for as regards school transport.

I acknowledge the wonderful visit to Holy Family Special School, in particular in the context of the issues we talked about. It is an absolutely superb school community. I appreciated the opportunity to visit there.