Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

882. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration is being given to extending the special education school term to the end of July 2021 to align it with the EU and the UK. [14758/21]

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

883. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for summer supports for 2021; and the eligibility criteria for same. [14759/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 882 and 883 together.

A significantly expanded Summer Programme was provided in 2020 for children with the complex needs as a discrete response to Covid-19.

The programme provided either in-school, or home-based supports by teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) during the summer holidays to help to prevent regression among children with SEN.

The programme's aim was to support children to reintegrate/transition into their planned education setting for the 2020/21 school year with their peers.

Over 14,000 children participated in the special education summer programmes developed by the Department including 3,881 in the school based programme, 9,716 in the home based programme and 450 families in the HSE programme.

My Department is progressing work on proposals for this years Summer Provision scheme to provide supports for children with complex special educational needs during the Summer holiday period. The scheme will be influenced by the current public health emergency. These proposals will be developed based on engagement and consultation with the education partners.

I will make an announcement on this in due course.

There are no plans to extend the school term.