Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas don gCathaoirleach as ucht a chuid focail. I thank Senators Bacik and Ó Ríordáin for raising this matter. I assure the House that ensuring that all children with special educational needs are supported and given the opportunity to reach their full potential is a key priority for the Government. Funding for special education provision in 2018 will amount to €1.75 billion, up 43% since 2011 and equivalent to almost 19% of the Department's overall budget.

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. The scheme does not make provision for children with other categories of special educational needs.

The National Council for Special Education's policy advice on education provision for children with autism spectrum disorders was published in July 2016.In the course of preparing the advice, the NCSE consulted widely with a range of stakeholders, including parents, teachers, academics, experts, psychologists, HSE officials and others. The NCSE also reviewed relevant national and international research.

The policy advice, which is available on the NCSE's website, includes a review of the July provision scheme. The NCSE review found that in general parents value July provision because it provides daytime respite for families and a structured day for students. However, the review found a number of problems with the scheme as currently organised. This includes concerns that the scheme may be inequitable because it is not provided to all students with complex special educational needs. The NCSE advised that in general the scheme is not meeting its original objective which was to reduce possible regression in academic learning. 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.

My Department has convened an implementation group with representatives of the NCSE, NEPS, the inspectorate and representatives from other Departments and agencies to ensure the report's recommendations are fully and appropriately considered. There are no plans to change the July provision scheme coverage until this work is complete.