Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

I am taking this Adjournment debate on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe. I thank the Senator for raising this matter as it provides me with the opportunity to clarify the current position with regard to the July provision scheme. The scheme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism who choose to extend their education services through the month of July. It is also funded in respect of pupils with a severe or profound general learning disability.

The July provision scheme includes special nationally agreed rates of remuneration for teachers and special needs assistants involved in the programme. Participating schools also receive a special rate of capitation funding in respect of participating pupils. Funding is also available to facilitate the provision of school transport and escort services for the children. The Department writes to all relevant schools advising them of details of the scheme each year. All relevant schools are encouraged to participate in this initiative in the interest of the pupils in question.

The July provision scheme was first introduced in 1997 for pupils with a severe or profound general learning disability and has evolved and expanded over the past 12 years. In 2001, it was decided to include classes for children with autism in the scheme and a further expansion of the scheme in 2004 meant that all children with autism in receipt of resource support would be eligible for home-based July provision.

The scheme has now been in operation for 12 years and the Department considers it is timely for a review. A working group has been established to examine the scheme and it is expected that the review will be completed during the course of the next school year. On completion, the Department will then be in a position to consider any issues raised during the review. There are no plans to expand the scheme until this review has been completed.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Senator and I thank him once again for raising the matter. His timing is good as his views can be taken into account in the course of the review, which is in progress.