Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

217. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the eligibility criteria for children to qualify for the July provision; the reason those children with a particular diagnosis (details supplied) do not qualify; his plans to introduce changes to extend the scheme to allow more children to qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24275/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The eligibility criteria for the July Provision Grant Scheme 2017 is set out in the Department's Information Note on the scheme which was published with the application forms and is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie. 

The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to examine the adequacy of current special education access and funding provision.

In addition the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) Policy Advice on Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders was published in July 2016.

In developing this policy advice, the NCSE reviewed the Department's July Provision scheme. The NCSE consulted widely with parents, professionals and other stakeholders and interested parties while also conducting research. The Policy advice is available on the NCSEs website www.ncse.ie.

The policy advice recommends that relevant stakeholders should discuss the development of an national, day activity scheme that provides a structured, safe, social environment for all students with complex special educational needs for one month of the summer holidays.

My officials will engage with officials in the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Health and other relevant stakeholders in regard to implementing this recommendation. There are no immediate plans to extend the existing July Provision Scheme while this process is ongoing.

Brendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

218. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if works on a new ASD unit in a school (details supplied) will be completed before September 2017 in time for the new term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24286/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is currently liaising with the school authority in question relating to the matter to which he refers and this contact is ongoing.