Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister knows, I was a secondary school teacher for 15 years. I have taught the July provision so I understand how difficult it is to get staff during the summer months to cater for those children's needs, especially during this difficult period, with all the public health advice and all that will be attached to it. I have just three points to make to the Minister. If he cannot clarify any of them today, I ask that he consider them ahead of Friday's announcement.

First, can the Minister clarify if all students who ordinarily would have been eligible for July provision in previous years will be entitled to the same this year? I note statements from different groups, such as Inclusion Ireland, that there is a suggestion that this service would be restricted to children in special schools or units only and that children with diagnoses in mainstream schools may be omitted. If the Minister could give clarity on that, I would appreciate it.

Second, families who have sourced a registered teacher themselves are getting ready ahead of the summer. They go through the same song and dance every year. Again, these people may not have their children in special units or special schools. Will they be eligible for July provision, given that their children may not be in a position to attend a special school or there may not be a centre in a local school?

The third question relates to how difficult it is to get teachers and staff generally to sign up to this. Will the Minister consider retired teachers? They may not be registered currently with the Teaching Council but would have been previously. Will the Minister consider teachers who are undergoing training at present and who may or may not be registered with the Teaching Council? These teachers could fill a gap if there are difficulties in getting staff.

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