Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 354: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the individual special schools and schools with special classes which applied for the July Education Programme in each of the past four years; the cost of operating this programme per school for the month of July in each of the past four years; the number of pupils per school and class who benefited from this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22347/06]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 355: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs students who were facilitated with home tuition as part of the July Education Programme in each of the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22348/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 355 together. 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. 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.

The cost of the package includes agreed rates of remuneration for principals, 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.

My Department has seen a steady increase in the number of schools offering the July Programme which is detailed below.