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thank the Deputy for the question. Like the Deputy, we recognise the importance of the summer programme as a vital piece in the education system. It is vital for children at primary and post-primary school. It is specifically designed for children with complex educational needs or those … children themselves reporting improvements in confidence, attitude and readiness to return to school in September. The original intention and continued emphasis of the summer programme is to mitigate the impact of learning loss on those children while schools are closed. An increase in special educational needs prevalence rates

thank the Deputy very much for raising the summer programme. I will set out the details of the scheme in the first instance and then I will respond to the specific points raised. The summer programme is hugely valued across the Government and by families and school communities … emphasis on different things in each of the schools. Since 2021, the Department of Education and Youth's inspectorate has evaluated the summer programme and the findings consistently highlight the positive impact on many children and young people who have taken part. Parents, staff and children themselves report

original intention and the continued emphasis of the summer programme is to mitigate the impact of learning loss on those children while schools are closed. An increase in special educational needs prevalence rates, particularly of autism, and the presentation of children with more complex needs has meant that … summer programme is more important than ever. Details of the summer programme were communicated to schools and stakeholders in early May. While it is acknowledged that the details of the programme are typically announced earlier, the Department continually kept in touch with stakeholders querying when the summer programme

important part in the lives of children with additional needs, be they special educational needs or children from areas of economic disadvantage. The summer programme is a vital support for families. It is specifically designed to support children with complex educational needs and those at risk of educational … reopened to allow further schools to apply. The Minister will announce details of the extension shortly because everyone in this House knows the summer programme is an absolutely crucial support for families over the holiday period. It has huge benefits for children in their social and emotional well

raise the school summer programme, which was formerly called the July provision. I have been contacted by numerous parents, school staff and principals who are really frustrated and very stressed. People at St. Michael's school and Scoil Mhuire in Trim, St. Anne's school in Navan … West have told me they have not been allocated enough resources and staff by the Department to run the programme this year. The summer programme has been really responsive to me and I know its staff are working with schools. However, I am really concerned that the wording

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. The same school has an issue with the summer programme as well. On the school's notification of the summer programme, the quantum has arrived three months later than last year and the school still does not know how many places … that came up during the general election campaign. I remember talking to teachers who were really struggling to make their plans for the summer programme because they were hearing about their resources quite late in the cycle. Will the Minister of State give us any assurance or information

level of support provided by the summer programme and its recognised benefits are very clear. It is recognised by school communities, parents and children themselves. There is increasing demand for the programme and, in recent years, an increased number of places have been provided. However, very real problems … recognition of the complex needs in the school. It has nine SNAs but has been told it will have six for the summer programme. In Trim, a school with a tremendous track record in special education has 18 SNAs but has been told

summer programme is hugely valued within school communities and families. That just goes to show the huge number of families and students who have applied for the programme across the system. It came up again at the Oireachtas committee on education yesterday when the Minister and I were … reflecting very carefully on the concerns that were raised about the summer programme into 2026 and the challenges there were for a number of schools and students. We are reflecting very carefully on that but of course we have to be very mindful also that we have

students in the upcoming budget. One programme and support much welcomed by the parents of children with complex special education needs is the summer programme. I am happy to report this important programme continued to expand, with a 52% increase in school participation since 2022. Over … continued growth and expansion of this programme. For example, the hot school meals programme, which was introduced this year, supports schools running the summer programme. One of the most eagerly anticipated developments in the area of special education is the plan to develop a new education therapy service

Families of children with additional needs are once again being let down by the Taoiseach's Government's disastrous mishandling of the summer programme, also known as July provision. Parents are still waiting for home tuition and hours to be sanctioned just days before the schools close. Schools … explain to parents, teachers and SNAs across the State why this has happened and what the Government will do to ensure that the summer programme supports children with additional needs and that it will be delivered on time and with the staffing and resources children and families need

Deputy said. I will certainly look at that. This year we will introduce a pilot project based on the Department of Education's summer programme to ensure that schools that are eligible for the school meals programme will be able to make meals available for the summer programme

area of special education to ensure that every child can reach their full potential; — support additional schools and students to benefit from the Summer Programme 2025; — ensure that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) will continue to engage intensively with parents and all educational partners to continue … school year, it is expected that recruitment of therapists for this service will be initiated in Q4 2025; — the continued expansion of the Summer Programme, which has seen a 52 per cent increase in school participation since 2022, with over 1,900 schools taking part

Department's special education section applied for funding in 2022 to the EU, which manages the EU's Technical Support Instruments programme. This programme will enable member states to apply for support in managing large-scale system reforms. The application was successful and €500,000 has been sanctioned … spent in the last while to make sure we have the best possible system. There are a number of other issues. On the summer programme, this is going on in some schools this week or next week. I compliment all the schools that have taken on the summer

summer programme or July provision scheme has proven an invaluable resource to families and provides a vital service over the course of the summer months. Since the turn of the decade, those numbers have quadrupled from 13,000 to almost 70,000. However, I have received a number … SNAs in this Chamber. I would like reassurance from the Government that there will be no cut to SNAs in relation to the summer programme and that it will ensure that this vital service can be provided from 24 June. It is only a matter of weeks away

funding has increased by €42 million. I am told here that no eligible child is being precluded from taking part in the summer programme this year, that all sanction letters to schools that applied to run a programme have issued, and that officials in the Department of education … engaging with schools on an individual basis in relation to the running of their summer programme and staffing allocations. Particularly for complex special educational needs, again, there is provision for SNAs and for teachers. In 2025, there were about 11,500 special needs assistants participating in the programme

July provision summer programme exists for the most vulnerable children in this country. This year the government has made a complete shambles of it. First, the Government opened and closed the application window before many schools and families even knew it was open. Second, the Government significantly … members. This year, this allocation has been cut to just five. The fact that this allocation only arrived last week, days before the summer programme is due to commence, has left this programme under significant jeopardy. This is not just an isolated issue. It is happening right across

special schools; - the funding provided for the training and upskilling of teachers and SNAs who support children with SEN; - the expansion of the Summer Programme, which has seen the number of children participating increase by 150 per cent since 2020; - that the extensive review by the Department … area of Special Education, to ensure that every child can reach their full potential; - support additional schools and students to benefit from the Summer Programme; and - ensure the NCSE will continue to engage intensively with parents and all educational partners to continue to increase capacity.". I thank

understand the need for that. There has been an increase. This shows the value that the families and school communities put on the summer programme. I am pleased to see that more primary, post-primary and special schools are engaging in the programme. That is what we want … ensure that children who require further education, those with additional educational needs and children from disadvantaged backgrounds have the opportunity of the summer programme. This programme was devised many years ago and it has been successful and has been running across the schools. We understand the value

greater SNA support. The system must recognise the needs that exist in the classroom. There were also serious problems with this year's summer programme with late planning, portal problems and delayed approvals. Schools need adequate notice so that they can recruit to teachers and SNAs, and properly … vulnerable children. One principal in Cork South-West told me about a child who had received additional staffing and had successfully attended the summer programme for the previous two years. This year, the additional staffing was refused. The principal faced a choice of telling the child he could

with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the programme for Government makes several commitments to deliver on this objective. The summer programme is a vital and targeted intervention that is specifically designed for children with complex special educational needs or those at risk of educational … disadvantage. While it is delivered during the summer months, it is an educational programme and should not be viewed as a replacement for recreational summer camps. Since 2021, the Department of Education and Youth's inspectorate has evaluated the programme annually. Its findings consistently highlight the programme

respite services, we also have to look at alternative respite including in-home respite; after-school and day respite programmes; host families and summer programmes; using existing overnight respite capacity to the maximum extent and providing additional overnight respite capacity. This is ambitious but we are fortunate that

groups or camp providers to absorb these costs themselves. The reality is that many children are spending the summer watching their friends attending sports camps, arts camps and activity programmes, while they are being left behind simply because their parents cannot afford the fees. This exclusion … serious consideration to this proposal and work towards a practical solution with family support groups and the summer camp organisers delivering these valuable summer programmes

want to raise the issue of July provision. The summer programme is very important, providing additional educational supports to students during the summer months. Unfortunately, issues have arisen this year in relation to the application process. A very short window was open for schools to apply. Many received

youth club grant scheme is fantastic, as is receiving €28,000 for the summer hot meals programme. In order to run the summer meals programme, the service needs all of the staff it currently has to deal with the 1,700 children who come through its doors. Losing … want, but youth services being given that job during the summer is exactly what should happen. However, if the Ballyfermot service is down three staff, fewer young people will be able to engage in that programme. I feel like I am at an auction. Can we go higher

will be insufficient to meet the challenge. The school has been advised by the Department that it can come back for the summer works programme for the downpipe issue but the challenge there is the deadline has already closed for the summer works programme for this term

reduction of access to Department-funded summer camps in primary schools; the reason children who have previously attended and benefited significantly from these summer programmes are now unable to access them in 2026; if changes have been made to funding, eligibility criteria or delivery of such summer programmes

Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide confirmation that the summer programme will be going ahead this year at a school (details supplied); the number of places the school can offer for the summer programme; if there is an outcome

Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware that a school (details supplied) has been forced to withdraw its summer programme due to her Department’s failure to sanction the necessary staffing levels, leaving children with special educational needs without vital supports over … summer; whether she intends on rectifying this so that the school’s summer programme can proceed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49613/26

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason staffing allocations under the 2026 Summer Programme for primary schools have been significantly reduced; if she is aware that many schools may be forced to cancel their programmes as a result of these cuts, leaving children … with complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage without access to a summer programme this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47612/26

Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding a school's (details supplied) Summer Programme funding; if they will receive adequate funding to ensure their allocation of staff fully meets the needs of all those children participating; when will they be approved … Summer Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48400/26

taken to ensure adequate special needs assistants (SNA's) staffing levels in view of reports that shortages of SNAs are resulting in Summer Provision Programmes being cancelled, thereby depriving children with additional needs of essential support; the number of Summer Provision Programmes that have been affected or cancelled

Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the provision of the summer programme can be announced in September each year instead of April-May to enable families to prepare for the summer months in advance; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware that teachers and SNAs working the summer programme will be sent home without pay if attendance targets are not met on the first day, despite staff committing part of their summer holidays

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason the online portal for the Summer Provision Programme has closed earlier than usual this year; if parents who missed the new deadline will be able to make an application for the Summer Provision Programme

Minister for Education and Youth if her Department would consider a dedicated activity and inclusion grant for special classes participating in the Summer Programme, based on the additional costs associated with providing suitable activities, outings and community-based experiences. [68539/26

Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps being taken to maximise participation in the Summer Programme 2027; and to ensure that the highest possible number of students can avail of it. [66533/26

Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is satisfied with the level of provision under the Summer Programme and the way in which it operates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54195/26

Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason managers of the summer programme are prevented by the ESINET system being paid as manager until the entire programme concludes at the end of August. [54516/26

Education and Youth for an update on an application made through the online portal on behalf of a pupil for the July Provision Summer Programme (details supplied), especially as arrangements have already been made for the programme and a tutor for the pupil; if the application will

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth to urgently examine an application for the Summer Programme formerly July Provision for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53516/26

Youth the reason special needs assistant support is no longer being provided as part of the school-based DEIS literacy and numeracy summer programme; the way in which this decision aligns with her Department's commitment to inclusive education; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the Summer Programme supports available to a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49229/26

Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the timeline of payments for the summer programme. [49571/26

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth if additional support will be provided for the Summer Programme for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49614/26

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the summer programme 2026 for an individual (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47900/26

Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps she will take to resolve delays with the schools summer programme, including in a particular school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48255/26

raised in correspondence (details supplied); if she has been made aware of the issues relating to the provision of transport schemes for the Summer Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47389/26

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason sanction approvals for the 2026 Home-Based Summer Programme have not yet issued to participating families; the number of applications received to date; when sanction emails will issue to parents and guardians; and the measures being

Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will confirm that summer programme resources will be available to a school (details supplied); the reason there has been a delay in providing this information to schools; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of guidance issued to schools under the 2026 Summer Programme requiring staff to be sent home where pupil attendance falls below the specified ratio; the legal basis for imposing such a requirement; the rationale