Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
463. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of special schools operated the July provision in 2025; the number of special schools planning to operate same this academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14040/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra467. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department is considering measures to encourage broader uptake of the July provision among special school staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14055/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 463 and 467 together.
The Summer Programme is an educational programme for children with complex special educational needs which is run during the summer months. All primary, post primary and special schools will be given an opportunity to run a programme for those children who need it the most. These children can continue to be supported, nurtured and encouraged to engage in a fun and inclusive educational setting.
The main priority in 2026 will be ensuring that those children with the most complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, should have access to a school-based summer programme.
The Summer Programme is reliant on schools and their staff choosing to participate on a voluntary basis. To encourage schools to run a Summer Programme, a range of supports and measures have been introduced. For special schools, these include a bespoke pilot programme, a national coordinator, a shorter school day and additional grant funding. For all schools, supports include key leadership roles, higher personal rate of pay for staff, enhanced capitation, a transport grant and earlier staff payments.
All the supports and incentives introduced have been developed and designed to increase participation by allowing all schools to provide the Summer Programme. These measures are aimed at maximising the number of children who can participate in a school-based programme with a specific focus on ensuring children with the most complex needs receive the targeted support.
Despite these measures and incentives, it is ultimately a matter for schools to decide if they wish to run a school-based programme. Where a school-based programme is not being run or a place is unavailable, the Home-based Programme is available for those children with complex special education needs
In 2025, almost 2,000 individual school-based programmes were delivered, continuing the positive upward trend in participation seen in previous years. Of these, 81 special schools delivered a school-based programme, representing 56% of special schools. It is anticipated that the number of special schools and children taking part will be even higher in 2026, although this will only become known after all summer programmes have been concluded.
Details of the 2026 Summer Programme have not yet been published but are expected to be published in the coming weeks. Once published, specific information relating to the terms and conditions applicable to special schools will be found on the School-based Summer Programme webpage at: www.gov.ie/summerprogramme
