Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
618. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the formal update and provision of information to schools regarding school-based July provision for pupils with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30864/26]
View answer619. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of school principals in relation to the lack of information available this year regarding school-based July provision for pupils with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30865/26]
View answer620. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of parents in relation to the lack of information available this year regarding school-based July provision for pupils with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30866/26]
View answer621. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the actions she will take to ensure that there is timely information provided to both schools and parents in relation to school-based July provision for pupils with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30867/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 618, 619, 620 and 621 together.
Details of the 2026 Summer Programme are expected to be announced in early May. While it is acknowledged that details of the Summer Programme are typically announced earlier, the finalisation of arrangements for the 2026 programme was delayed pending confirmation that the Department of Education and Youth would receive the additional funding required to support all aspects of education.
All schools will be offered the opportunity to run a summer programme for children with the most complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage.
Once details are announced, schools will be invited to apply to run a school-based programme and further information, including the link to the portal and the programme overview, will be communicated directly to all schools.
In the interim, schools are asked to begin prioritising children in special classes and special schools for participation in the school-based programme.
Again, as in previous years, the home-based Summer Programme will be available to those children who have complex special educational needs and who are accessing the highest level of the Continuum of Support throughout the school year.
