Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that there is a scheme known as July Provision available to primary schools; the details of this scheme; the way in which the scheme operates; the group at which this scheme is targeted; the amount of funding available under this scheme to a school; the process by which her Department informs the schools or parents of the availability of this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21209/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's support package for the July Education Programme 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. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. The package includes special nationally agreed rates of remuneration for teachers and special needs assistants involved in the July Programme. Participating schools also receive a special rate of capitation funding in respect of pupils participating in the programme. Funding is also available to facilitate the provision of school transport and escort services for the children. All relevant schools were advised of the detailed funding arrangements applicable to the July Education Programme when the service was introduced in July, 2001.

My Department encourages all eligible schools to participate in this initiative in the interest of the children in question. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided.