Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 552: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the work that has been undertaken to ensure that the students of a special unit for autism at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare are provided with school based educational provision for the month of June beginning in the summer of 2007; the work that remains to be carried out to ensure that this provision is in place; if she will commit to the provision of school based educational provision during the month of June in the unit in question, to commence in June 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33140/06]

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. The 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.

All relevant schools are encouraged to participate in this initiative in the interest of the children in question. If schools are not participating in the July Education Programme, home tuition is offered as an alternative for the pupils who would normally attend such schools.

My Department is currently considering proposals to extend the July Programme service to post primary schools catering for pupils with autism. In this regard, the development of appropriate support measures to facilitate post primary schools in participating in this programme is being examined. My Department is evaluating existing arrangements with a view to formalising a programme in consultation with all concerned.