Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We can continue to have the conversation here about what the Deputy is looking for and the information the parents are looking for this Friday. We will have the guidelines on Friday. I am bringing them to Cabinet. We will have the final guidelines and details. It will be an expanded scheme. As the Deputy knows, last week I announced I wanted to include Down's syndrome in the scheme, and it will be included. We are also looking at incorporating school completion, for example, and expanding the literacy and numeracy programme we have in 70 DEIS primary schools into post-primary schools. We are looking at a massive increase in the capacity of that scheme, but it will rely on the volunteerism of schools and teachers. From soundings and the leadership we are getting from the likes of the Catholic Primary School Management Association, CPSMA, the INTO and the Irish Primary Principals Network, IPPN, at primary level, the indications are quite strong that there is a lot of goodwill and good feeling towards the programme. Ultimately, however, we have to know what the demand is so parents will have an opportunity to register on Friday.

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