Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

80. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the actions that she is taking to improve July Provision in advance of summer 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58433/22]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to thank the Deputy for the question and the opportunity to provide an update on this very important scheme for pupils with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage. It is important, firstly, to reflect on the significant progress we have made over the last few years. The 2022 Summer Programme built on the expanded programmes of 2020 and 2021. Since 2021, all primary and post-primary schools were given the opportunity to run at least one summer programme.

The Department has listened carefully to feedback from stakeholders and is working to make the scheme as inclusive as possible and available to as many eligible students as possible, whilst retaining a focus on children and young people with the most complex needs. The programme that has been provided in recent years was developed following extensive engagement with education stakeholders, parents, and disability advocacy groups. For instance, in 2022, to support more schools to participate, greater flexibility was given to schools, additional supports were provided to alleviate administration burdens, and staff who took part were paid earlier than ever before.

I am very pleased to be able to say that an additional €20 million funding has been approved under Budget ‘23 to continue the expanded summer programme for next year, bringing the total to €40 million for 2023. This early announcement that funding has been secured will allow schools several extra months to plan for a summer programme next year.

The programme has gone from strength to strength, with 2022 seeing more schools and more students participate than ever before. Over 41,000 pupils will have benefitted this year, with over 1,000 schools running a programme.

I am however very conscious that parents want this programme to be available in more schools in 2023.

I have asked my Department to review the programme, so that for 2023, we can build further on all we have achieved. The priority for 2023 is on continuing to increase the number of schools participating, particularly schools serving children with very complex needs.

My Department has been engaging with the management bodies, schools, and parents with a view to encouraging schools to participate next year. As part of the preparation, officials in my Department are meeting all principals of Special Schools from around the country this month. The Department has also met with officials from Malta on two occasions to utilise some of the learnings from their system in terms of the planning and organisation. We want to support schools fully in terms of organisation, workforce availability, administration, resources and training, to make it as successful as possible.

Following the review of this year's programme and finalisation of planning for next year, the details of the 2023 Summer Programme are intended to be published by the end of January 2023.