Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
379. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if alternative arrangements are possible for children who have been approved for home-based summer programme supports but who are in overcrowded or emergency accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47681/26]
View answerDetails of the 2026 Summer Programme were communicated to all schools on the 6th May 2026.
All schools have been offered the opportunity to run a school-based programme for children with the most complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage.
Where a school does not intend to run a school-based programme or there is no place on the programme for an eligible child, schools were invited to make an application for the home-based programme.
Under the Home-based Summer programme, grant funding is made available so that parents/legal guardians can engage the services of a teacher or a SNA to provide tuition or care support as appropriate in the child’s home. The allocation of hours which can be provided to an eligible child on a one-to-one basis is strictly 10 hours per week, for up to 4 weeks, with the maximum of the 5 hours per day being allowable.
Alternative options available to parents/guardians under the home-based programme includes the option whereby the parents/guardians avail of a small group setting (up to 3 children). Under this option, additional funding for more hours will be available. The department also facilitates groups of 4 or more children. While the conditions for the home-based programme prescribe that provision should take place in the child’s home, occasionally families may choose a different arrangement to facilitate the provision. However, this remains a private arrangement between parent/legal guardian and the teacher/SNA.
Further details on the Home-based scheme are available on www.gov.ie/summerprogramme.
A Department helpline is available for schools and parents at 090 648 4292 to address any specific queries regarding this year’s Summer Programme. Queries concerning the school-based scheme can be directed to the schoolsummerprogramme@education.gov.ie. Queries concerning the Home-based scheme can be directed to the homebasedsummerprogram@education.gov.ie.
