Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to speak briefly on the July education programme. As we know, the scheme provides funding for an extended school year for children with a severe or profound general learning disability or children with autism. Where school-based provision is not feasible, 40 hours of home-based provision may be granted. I was shocked to read reports earlier this week that many disability organisations and parent representatives have expressed alarm at proposals outlined to them at two separate briefings with officials from the Department of Education and Skills. As I understand it from the reports, they were told that new limits would be placed on children accessing the programme this year. Given that more than 10,000 children with autism or a profound intellectual disability avail of the two-week scheme every summer, this is highly concerning. I have highlighted this issue, along with the wider lack of classroom provision across midland counties for children with autism or a special needs diagnosis, many times on the floor of the House. Information provided to me by the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, on the allocation list for special classes in primary and post-primary schools for the academic year 2019-20 shows that only ten new places were being provided for all schools in Laois and Offaly in addition to a further nine in total for Longford and Westmeath.

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