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

Before I respond to Senator O'Loughlin, I congratulate Senator Flynn on the passage of Second Stage of the Traveller Culture and History in Education Bill 2018 in the Dáil last week. It is important Traveller culture and history is embedded within the education sector.

I thank Senator O'Loughlin for raising this important matter. The needs of children with special educational needs and children at most risk of educational disadvantage are a huge priority for the Government. As correctly pointed out by the Senator, these children were adversely impacted by Covid-19 and the closure of schools. The Government provided guidance and support for schools throughout this period and put in place a supplementary tuition programme for these children in March this year.

In May 2021, the Government announced a package of supports to allow primary and post-primary schools to offer a summer programme for students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage as a Covid-19 pandemic response measure for summer 2021. As mentioned by the Senator, the funding is not the most important issue, but it is important to note that the funding for this year was doubled from €20 million to €40 million, a 100% increase on the allocation for summer programmes in 2020.

The programme was developed following extensive engagement with education stakeholders, parents and advocacy groups. It was important to me that any impediments or barriers to schools participating this year would be removed because we wanted to increase the uptake from last year. We wanted to maintain children's connection with education, build their confidence, increase their motivation and promote well-being for those who are at key transition stages. We also wanted to help to ensure that they continue their education journey in September, either in school or in further and higher education or training.

The programme on offer this summer includes a new two to three week summer programme to all primary schools and an expansion of the existing programmes in special schools and classes and in DEIS schools. Similar to last year, children with complex needs entering primary school next September are also eligible to participate in summer programmes. As I said, there was extensive consultation with education stakeholders and advocacy groups. The Senator will be aware that the closing date was 25 June. To date, almost one quarter, or 968, of the schools eligible to participate in the summer programme this year have registered their interest to provide 1,346 programmes over the summer.

In regard to Senator O'Loughlin's local area, there are 35 schools in Kildare, 29 of which are primary, five are post-primary and one is a special school. In Laois, there are 24 primary schools taking part. The summer programme is important this year. As I mentioned earlier, Covid has had an adverse impact on these students. We are concerned about regression and the loss of key skills. That these students can avail of a summer programme is very important.

It is important to note that 34,000 children will benefit. That is a 161% increase on 2020. The programme is voluntary, not mandatory. As I said, we have removed the impediments to allow schools to volunteer to participate in the programme for all children.