Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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555. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the July provision will be extended by two weeks for 2021 given the disruption to students caused by school buildings being closed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13540/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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COVID-19 has negatively impacted across all aspects of society including in the area of education which has seen the closure of schools on two occasions.

My Department has recognised that such school closures can have a particular impact on children with special educational needs and accordingly has –

- Prioritised children with special educational needs for the earliest possible return to in school teaching, with pupils in special schools and special classes having now returned to school.

- Urgent consideration is underway as to when children with special educational needs who attend mainstream education can return.

- Specific guidance and supports have been provided to schools to support continuity of learning for these children during the school closure period.

- A significantly expanded summer education programme for children with complex special educational needs was provided last year which aimed to prevent regression among children with special needs.

- A supplementary education programme is currently being provided for children with special educational needs who have missed in person education.

My Department is progressing work on proposals for this years Summer Provision scheme which will be influenced by the current public health emergency. These proposals will be developed based on engagement and consultation with the education partners. Any changes to the scheme will be considered as part of this work.