Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The issue of special education provision has been raised many times in the Chamber by ourselves in Sinn Féin. It is a huge issue out there. More ASD classes are needed. I have had news recently that some extra classes are being provided in Laois. It is welcome that they are being provided but more needs to be done. Our proposals tonight seek to address the further downgrading and reduction in funding of the summer programmes that are vital to children in special education during the summer months. We are having to raise this and highlight this issue because the Government is overseeing a random lottery that dictates whether a child has a right to summer provision or not. The Government's decision to cut the capitation grant from €60 in 2022 to €45 last year and to €30 per week this year seriously undermines the quality and type of activities that can be offered to those children who do manage to access the summer provision placements in mainstream schools. The shortage of school-based summer programmes is a serious issue. Home tuition is not suitable for many children and places a huge burden on parents who have to find a tutor, which sometimes is not possible. The summer programme is more than just a get-together for special education children. The two-week programme is absolutely essential. I spoke to a parent today whose child is in special education and he said the provision of the summer programme is the difference between a child who is withdrawn, quiet and afraid to socialise and a happy, outgoing and confident child. The opportunity to mix, socialise and take part in activities cannot be underestimated. To see the positive effects on children taking part in the summer programme is remarkable. I pay tribute to all those who put on that programme, the teachers and schools, especially after so many years of losing out during Covid.

I ask, therefore, that the Minister of State immediately reverse the funding cuts that have been made to summer provision and the capitation grant, commence action now in order that far more school-based summer provision will be made available in the future and revise the model for the allocation of special education teaching hours in order that regard is had to the complex needs and the criteria for them. Failure to do so will exclude children with complex needs from receiving the teaching supports that they require. It will only drive more children into special schools. We do not want this to happen. We want to keep them within the mainstream system. It will run counter to the agenda of equality and inclusion in education, which is very important. Children in counties Laois and Offaly need proper supports. It is the same across the State. Tonight, we are asking the Minister of State to act on this need.

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