Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I mentioned, part of the consideration of the review will include accreditation and no doubt the retrospective element will be considered as well. I am satisfied that the new training programme now in place is of very high quality. It will help the experience of our children with special needs in our schools.

The Senator mentioned Newbridge and St. Conleth and Mary's Primary School and the Holy Family Secondary School in relation to ASD classes. As Minister of State with responsibility for special education, I have an acute awareness of the dearth of ASD classes and will do all I can to assist in any school. The NCSE encourages schools, and particularly existing schools, to open ASD classes. I will certainly pass on those applications, and if they come in I will bring them to the attention of the Department.

To clarify on the summer provision, the funding is €40 million. I wish it was €80 million, although €40 million is double the amount last year. There are 81,000 children who will be eligible for summer provision this year. We have removed all barriers and impediments, as far as the Department is concerned, around the participation of schools in this programme over the next month in July and August.