David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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281. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools that provided the summer programme in 2022; the number of primary schools that are expected to provide the Summer Programme in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21326/23]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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282. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration has been given to early years education staff with experience in special need education, who do not hold teaching qualifications, being eligible for employment under the summer programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21327/23]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 282 together.

The Department recently announced details of the 2023 Summer Programme on 9 February 2023. All schools will have an opportunity to run a programme for those children that need it the most.

The central theme for this year’s programme is, ‘Building Confidence and Connections’. The primary aim of this theme is to help our children and young people to realise their potential, to be resilient in dealing with the normal stresses of their lives, to take care of their physical wellbeing and to have a sense of purpose, connection and belonging to their school community.

The main priority in 2023 is that those children with the most complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, should have access to a school-based summer programme.

The terms and conditions for the 2023 Summer Programme are being implemented following a comprehensive review and engagement with education partners and stakeholders since last summer, including the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Autism.

The Department has engaged with management bodies, schools and parents with a view to encouraging more schools to participate in the 2023 programme. Measures to encourage schools to sign up and provide places on the school-based summer programme are as follows:

This year, the Primary School Scheme combines the Inclusion Programme and Special Class elements from last year into one cohesive scheme for mainstream primary school bring a more targeted approach for children with special educational needs.

This year also introduces a new adjustment to the scheme for special schools. This programme has been designed and developed to ensure supports and funding are targeted to enhance the availability of a school-based programme for pupils in special schools.

In addition, there are two in-school schemes at mainstream primary level and one at post primary:-

• The Primary School Scheme for pupils in all primary mainstream schools.
• The DEIS expanded literacy and numeracy summer camp/campaí samhraidh for pupils in DEIS primary schools.
• The Post-Primary Scheme for students with complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage.