Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for his question. The summer provision programme has proven to be very successful and positive. I hear what is being said in terms of how it was originally envisaged and how it is progressing now. It is for children and young people with additional needs but also for those who are at risk of educational disadvantage. We have seen considerable investment by the Department in that respect. In budget 2023, €40 million has been announced to make provision for that. It is important that we have a summer provision that can meet the needs of the children who need it most, that is, children with additional needs and children at risk of educational disadvantage. I accept that there are new and better ways to do things. That is why we are currently reviewing the summer provision programme. We are engaging with best practice internationally and looking at how other places are doing it. We are looking at opportunities for others to come on stream in order that it is not fully reliant on the school and the school staff who may choose, for their own legitimate reasons, not to be involved in it. I appreciate that there are many school staff who are providing their expertise and time.

This year, we introduced many new initiatives to ensure the summer provision would be more user-friendly for the schools. We appointed an overseer. We ensured no principal would feel that they would have to take responsibility. We also introduced a new online payment system. To go back to the point that the Deputy was making, we are currently reviewing all aspects of it to ensure it is doing what we want it to do and is meeting the needs of all children. That review is ongoing but it is also coupled with engaging with seeing best practice. I have seen very good practice in this country. I want to acknowledge that. We have the opportunity to look elsewhere as well.

Regarding the London allowance or other allowances that are being paid, I do not want to take away from the challenges regarding substitution. The challenges are greater in some areas than in others. Teachers' pay has increased significantly in this country. The starting pay for a new entrant at primary level is around just short of €40,000. In Northern Ireland, the starting point is £27,800. In London, where they have the salary with the top-up, it is around the same as we pay here. I make that point as a comparison when reference is made to what is happening in other places. That is not for one minute to take away from the particular challenges we have with the cost of living and the challenges that exist for schools, particularly in Dublin. We are continuing in a spirit of engagement with all of the partners to address the issue.

I appreciate that Deputy Ó Cathasaigh has a special interest in transport and public transport. School transport is part of our ongoing reviews. We are very much feeding in to potentials and possibilities that might exist for us to deliver the system in an innovative way. We are looking at everything in that respect.

The solar panel scheme for our schools is very positive and good news for our schools. It will be financed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. We are working closely with the Department. It is really good news for the schools.