Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank both Deputies for their contributions. If we went with last year's July provision, we could announce it and everything would be out there. The reason there has been a delay is because we are incorporating two other Departments, the Departments of Health and Children and Youth Affairs on the disadvantaged side. Deputies can tell their constituents that children with severe and profound intellectual disabilities will qualify. Children who were eligible for July provision last year will qualify again this year. In addition, children with Down's syndrome will be included. We are considering a number of other areas to try to be as inclusive and responsive to the gaps Deputies identified in terms of regression.

We want to utilise the time this summer for the summer programme to act as a stepping stone to reconnect with schools in September. Parents are worried about regression, the gaps in education and disconnection from schools, their peers, SNAs and teaching staff. There are challenges therein and a confidence issue because we are opening up as a country and people are making small steps towards going back to business premises and shops. These steps are slow and there are concerns and fears on the part of the education community, which I acknowledge. That is why we are working with stakeholders.

We have consulted AsIAm, Down's syndrome representatives and Inclusion Ireland. Their voices have been critical to ensuring that we have a comprehensive programme. On Friday, we will have the guidelines and information available to parents who will be able to register from that point. I am hopeful and confident about July provision, and I know everybody in the House is ambitious for our most vulnerable community. We will work together to make this happen.

Deputy Fitzmaurice is correct that schools need more certainty, as do SNAs in terms of their job security. The front-loaded model deferred for a year because of Covid-19 will be introduced in the 2021-22 school year. If there are specific examples of students who need SNA support this September, there is a mechanism for them to appeal on those grounds.

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