Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would like written answers, please. Is the Minister categorically saying that the summer provision scheme, which is to replace the July provision scheme this year, is not only going to be awarded to children who currently attend special schools? Will there be provision for other students who have been in lockdown since March? There is too much confusion about the scheme.

All parents are struggling at the moment, especially those with children with additional needs. Without expansion of the scheme there will be no structure or routine in the lives of these children until September. That is something we have to sort out. I welcome the inclusion of Down's syndrome children but the Minister must admit there is major confusion and a lack of information. Many parents are constantly going through hardship. They are constantly ringing to know what is happening. The Minister needs to clarify this no later than Friday because it is unacceptable. Clarification on what is happening needs to be given. Parents and children need their routines. The Minister needs to come back on that urgently.

Special needs assistant allocations have been made for the coming school year 2020-2021. Although mainstream allocations remain unchanged, the same is not true for special school classes. I have been made aware of an unacceptable reduction of one SNA post in Carlow because of a lack of assessments to diagnose autism spectrum conditions by the HSE and private assessors due to Covid-19 restrictions. The demand for SNA testing cannot be gauged. What can the Department do to provide this resource to children who have really suffered under the restrictions? Will the Minister leave the allocation in place until testing resumes and then look at revisiting it?

There are many concerns about the plans to reopen schools. School staff, parents and students need certainty. There is talk that the schools may reopen in August. Will the Minister confirm when mainstream schools and special schools will reopen?

Another thing needs to be clarified. Will the State be providing financial support for English language schools that were closed due to the pandemic in March to enable them to reopen in 2020? I know provision has been made for the students, but what about the schools?

Will the Minister clarify how students taking part in post-leaving certificate courses who have yet to complete their practical examinations due to the coronavirus restrictions are to be graded? This arises where their teachers have received no instructions from the Department of Education and Skills to carry out predictive grading. These students are afraid they will not secure a place in third level. Students who are taking film courses in Carlow have contacted me. They have been unable to enter the school for the sound part of their examinations. As the Minister can imagine, this is not a test that can be taken online. The students need the special equipment. All in all, this is important. The PLC students believe they have been totally forgotten and there are real concerns here. I have major concerns on this too.

I wish to ask the Minister about the summer works programme. A school in Myshall was looking for emergency works. Those involved plan to half do the roof. If they partly do the roof, then next year they will have to replace the roof. Are the emergency works going ahead? Is there funding for the summer school works programme?

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