Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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342. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide additional places (details supplied) for mainstream children who need extra curricular help under the July provision . [10691/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The July Education Programme(JEP) is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism that choose to extend their education services through the month of July.

My Department also provides for a July Education Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Children with autism in mainstream classes are eligible to apply for home based tuition, but can, in limited circumstances participate in their school's JEP if they can be accommodated within the school's existing autism or severe to profound unit(s) and without incurring the need for additional resources, as defined by my Department.

Under the terms of the Programme, exemptions to the general restriction on children from mainstream classes participating in the school based programme can, in limited circumstances be sought, where it is determined that the best interests of the children would be more appropriately addressed by their inclusion in a dedicated autism or severe to profound class for the period of July, having regard to the additional cost arising.

In this regard, I understand Carlow Educate Together have submitted a proposal for an additional class. This proposal is currently being considered and a decision will be notified to the school as soon as possible.