Mr. Frank Hanlon:

I thank the Deputy. I read the same report and met the group in question on the issue. We discussed some of the positive things and some of the experiences. It is good we hear from those parents. We had a 50% increase in special schools taking part in the scheme. That was a real focus this year. We ran a pilot for special schools and looked at the practical and resource elements needed to assist schools in the programme. Participation jumped from 39% to 59%, which is the highest number ever. That is really good. The intention is to continue that for next year.

I agree with the Deputy that the focus is on getting all those children some sort of access to the summer programme. As Ms Mannion said, we have already started engaging on next year’s programme. We would like to get it out even earlier than last year, which was February. We want to get it out as soon as possible and are talking to stakeholders about looking at other groups which can take on the summer programme. Our preference is for it to be in a school at all times and for the school to run it but if that is not possible, we will look at other options. We will look at them quickly so we have things in place as soon as possible for parents because it is important they get some sort of educational programme.

The Deputy referred to the programme being run for two weeks and four weeks. Our preference is to run it for four or five weeks. Some schools dipped their toe in the water. Many special schools ran it for the first time this year and ran it tentatively for two weeks.

From talking to some of the inspectors, I have learned that the schools have had really positive experiences. They have been able to draw down many of the staff from the portal we put in place this year. That will continue to grow next year. Staff was not an issue. The schools were able to draw down staff across the country in the various locations. We hope to create synergies with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth regarding the services it provides on top of the summer programme. We are talking to all the stakeholders again. We want to see this for all the children, just as the members do.