Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 1711: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of her continuous assertions that school based educational provision as opposed to home tuition is the preferred medium for the delivery of education to children with special educational needs, she has taken steps to correct the anomaly whereby a July education programme is provided to such children but a similar programme does not exist for the month of June, therefore leaving second level school students with special educational needs without school based educational provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2732/07]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 1713: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has received a formal request from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to fund school based educational provision for the month of June as distinct from the month of July each year, commencing in June of 2007 to accommodate the needs of students within the school's special education unit; if so, the stage this application is at; if a decision has been made by her Department regarding this request; if so, what that decision is; if other such requests have been received from other schools around the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2734/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1711 and 1713 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. 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.