Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 512: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if an application for approval and funding of school based educational provision throughout June and not July of 2007 has been received from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if her Department will sanction school based educational provision throughout the month of June 2007 for certain pupils within the special unit for autism at this school; the further action or applications that should be forwarded by interested parties in order to secure such educational provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37988/06]

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 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. An application from the school referred to by the Deputy has recently been received in my Department and will be considered in the context of the above considerations.