Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 722: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the annual cost of the July provision scheme since it was introduced in 2001; the number of people benefiting from this scheme on an annual basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26162/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department currently does not keep a separate record of the costs of the July provision. 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:

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 723: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will answer a question previously placed with regard to the July provision for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for the years 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002, as the query raised was not replied to. [26163/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I previously advised the Deputy that forty hours tuition under the July Provision Scheme has been approved for the child in question for this year. The allocation was made following an application from his parents for inclusion in the programme. An application for retrospective sanction was refused.