Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach inniu. I welcome the Minister of State and thank her for taking the time to be here. A few years ago, the schools summer programme, commonly known as July provision, was quite limited in its scope. At the time, it was offered to children with particular special needs. It did not include many children for whom the summer holidays were a time of regression and difficulty. The much-welcomed expansion of the programme in 2021, post the Covid pandemic, has been remarkable, with a much wider cohort of children involved and a more holistic experience for pupils to help them keep the connection with schools and their peers. This year, the programme also includes a post-primary scheme, a home-based programme and a pilot special school programme designed to ensure a focus on supporting special schools, which is very welcome.

This year again, all primary schools can offer a summer programme for pupils with complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage. The summer programme is intended to be an enjoyable experience for students and the staff. A range of activities will be available which will reflect this year's theme of building confidence and connections and includes opportunities for student-centred play-based engagement. The programme is designed and developed to ensure supports are targeted to better assist children and young people to have access to a school-based programme.It is fantastic to see the number of children and young people participating in the summer provision as well as the number of schools offering it, which has increased significantly since the programme was introduced in 2021. It is a credit to the hard work of the staff, who help to strengthen the sense of connection and belonging the children feel in the school community. Where a school is not running a summer programme or a place on a school-based or alternative programme is unavailable, children and young people with complex special needs can avail of a home-based alternative, which is an excellent development.

The summer programme has clearly gone from strength to strength. Last year's programme benefited more than 50,000 students and saw a 50% increase in the number of special schools participating. A 50% increase is quite remarkable. It would appear the potential for the scheme is even greater than anticipated. In light of that, I commend the Minister, Deputy Foley, on first introducing this excellent scheme in 2021. However, it would appear now that, because of the success of the programme, more funding is needed so that all these children and families who need it can avail of it. I am hoping the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, might outline some positive developments in that regard in her response to me this afternoon.