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

I want to raise the summer programme in schools. As the Taoiseach knows, there has been a reduction in capitation rates this year. I have been in contact with the Department of Education and other Departments in recent weeks. They told me the summer programme has significantly expanded over the past three years. The problem is that the capitation rate in mainstream schools, which was originally €45 per week in 2023, has now gone down to €30 per week for 2024 which is a reduction of €15. Loads of schools in County Carlow have been in touch with me in regard to that. They tell me the same as the Minister has told me. The full funding of €40 million, as in previous years, is available. I welcome that the priority is children with the most complex special educational needs but we must give the €45 per week. We cannot have a reduction of €15 per week this year compared to last year. I ask the Taoiseach to work with the Minister and to try to help me with this.

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