Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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352. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will advise on a summer-provision query (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25683/22]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Earlier this month, the Government announced the Summer Programme to allow all primary and post-primary schools to offer a summer programme for students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage.

The total funding available to provide summer programmes this year is up to €40 million.

The programme was developed following extensive engagement with education stakeholders, parent and disability advocacy groups.

The Special Class and Special School Programme is open to all pupils attending special classes and special schools. In addition, children who are commencing in a special class or or special school in September 2022 are also eligible to participate in the Special Class and Special School Programme. For a student who is commencing in a special school or special class in September 2023, they would be able to avail of the summer programme in the summer of 2023.

The Primary Inclusion Programme is open to pupils who have complex needs and those who are most at risk of educational disadvantage. 

Children who meet the eligibility criteria and are entering primary school in September 2022 are also eligible for the Primary Inclusion Programme. Again for a student who is commencing in a school in September 2023, they would be able to avail of the summer programme in the summer of 2023.