Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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I sincerely thank the Minister of State, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, for taking this matter as I know a change had to be made that was nobody's fault. These things happen. I appreciate his coming to listen to my comments and hope he can provide a positive reply.

As the Minister of State knows, the July provision scheme provides funding for an extended school year that is not available to the vast majority of children with Down's syndrome, leaving them at a major educational disadvantage. A recent High Court settlement involved children with various educational and social needs. They will now receive additional schooling under the July provision scheme. In the light of this recent ruling, I ask the Government to consider extending the July provision scheme to all children with Down's syndrome.

The scheme allows an extra month of tuition during July for children with a specific diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder or a severe or profound general learning disability. The scheme is very beneficial as it ensures children do not regress over the long summer holidays. I have been contacted by numerous parents associated with the Roscommon branch of Down Syndrome Ireland who believe the exclusion of their children from the July provision scheme is an injustice and a disgrace. How can the education system and the Government leave children with Down's syndrome behind, as that is what is happening? They are being denied the right to learn at their own pace. In the light of the recent High Court ruling, it is imperative that the scheme be extended to all children with Down's syndrome.

On a separate matter and wider note, parents of children with Down's syndrome in County Roscommon have also told me about the great difficulties they have in accessing occupational therapists, speech therapists and physiotherapists in the county. Many parents of children with Down's syndrome must finance the cost of these services because of the serious lack of services provided by the HSE. They are placed under serious financial pressure as a result. Even where services are provided by the HSE, visits by therapists can be infrequent, piecemeal and insufficient to meet the needs of children. I am informed by some therapists that too many children are assigned to them and that, as a result, they cannot provide a more regular service. More therapists in these areas are required as therapists expect parents and teachers to carry out programmes. I am sure the Minister of State is well aware of this issue. A change must be made.

I hope the Minister of State recognises the message that we should rectify the July provision scheme and will bring it to the Government. We can give the children a decent chance in life.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I apologise on behalf of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy McHugh, and the Minister of State who has been unavoidably detained because of the changing schedule of the Dáil. I recognise the matter raised by the Deputy and know that it is common in other constituencies also. I thank him for raising it as it provides me with an opportunity to outline the current position on it.

The July provision scheme provides funding for an extended school year for students with severe or profound intellectual disabilities and students with autism spectrum disorders. The scheme was developed to reduce potential regression in learning associated with these specific categories of special educational needs over the summer holidays. In July 2016 the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, which advises the Minister on these matters published its policy advice on educational provision for children with autism which included a review of the July provision scheme. The review found that in general parents valued the July provision scheme because it provided day respite care for families and a structured day for students. However, the NCSE's review found a number of problems with the scheme. They include concerns that the scheme may be inequitable because it is not provided for all students with complex special educational needs.

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The council recommended that the relevant Departments consider how an equitable national day activity scheme could be developed for all students with complex special educational needs. The proposed scheme would provide a structured, safe, social environment for all students with complex special educational needs, which might include some children with Down's syndrome.

The Department of Education and Skills has convened an implementation group to ensure the report's recommendations are fully and appropriately considered.

There has been consultation with a number of other Departments and State agencies on the future direction of the July education programme. It is expected that the group will make recommendations shortly concerning a revised scheme which would be implemented next year at the earliest. Before any changes are made, there will be consultations with stakeholders.

The Dáil will be aware that the Department settled two High Court cases where children with Down's syndrome had sought access to the July provision scheme. While the terms of the settlement are confidential, I want to clarify on behalf of the Minister for Education and Skills that the children concerned were not given access to the scheme. Officials met with Down Syndrome Ireland yesterday to discuss the implications of the settlement and they will be in further contact with it this week. I want to inform the Deputy that the Minister is scheduled to meet Down Syndrome Ireland next week.

Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State. Like many TDs, he will be aware of this situation from his own constituency. I welcome the fact that discussions are taking place and that further meetings will take place next week. My only regret is that we are entering into discussions again. The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, is clearly saying we need to do something for those children with Down's syndrome. All of us acknowledge and recognise that parents are under enormous stress. If the July provision applied to children with Down's syndrome it would be a huge benefit. It is very important that the educational needs of these children are met during the summer. They are special cases. They need that help. We have to look after people like these children, and their parents, and give them every possible chance.

While I welcome what the Minister of State has said, and I know he has knowledge of this issue from his constituency, I do not want discussions to go on and on without any changes taking place. Last week's High Court decision regarding two children with Down's syndrome did not give them full access to the system, and I accept what the Minister of State has said, but it certainly has changed the goalposts. All of us must recognise now that we must act in response to that High Court judgment because it means there is dissatisfaction, as far as the court is concerned, in the way those children are being discriminated against. I will not labour the point. The Minister of State knows where I am coming from. He has an understanding of the situation. I am sure all Deputies have such cases in their constituencies. I hope we can move matters on and get a better system in place as quickly as possible.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The valid points the Deputy made will be relayed to the Minister for Education and Skills. I will reflect on them also. I am not in the Department but I am a teacher and I understand the importance of the July provision and its delivery. There are different methodologies in respect of it. Some of it is school based and some is not school based. The Minister will take his policy direction from the National Council for Special Education in terms of trying to formulate a decision. When he reflects on it and has had the discussions with the Down Syndrome Ireland group, which are important, it will provide him with an opportunity, in conjunction with his dialogue with the NCSE, to be in a better position to make a decision on how to move forward. The Deputy's points are well made. They are not unique to any particular constituency. We all deal with parents of children with special needs and intellectual disabilities. I know that teachers are dealing with them also. They are challenging. These are special children for a special reason. Until now, the July provision has been a very good scheme but the Deputy is asking that it be improved upon rather than changed. I will reflect his views to the Minister for Education and Skills and ask him to respond directly to the Deputy.

Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State.