Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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247. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if special needs assistants will be sanctioned to carry out the July provision in 2020 to assist teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9001/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I am committed to running a summer Provision type programme for children with complex needs this year as soon as it is safe to do so and in accordance with public health advice. 

My Department is exploring a number of options for a summer education programme for children with complex special needs.

The primary aim of the proposed programme would be to limit potential regression in learning thereby ensuring in so far as possible that these children can reintegrate and transition into their planned education setting for next year with their peers.

This may be done through a targeted level of supports to address regression of social skills and re-establish tolerance of routines paving the way for reintegrating full time into education when schools reopen in the autumn. 

The July Provision scheme is an extension of the school year.  Where the scheme is held in school, special classes continue on and SNAs remain in the class to support the children availing of July Provision.