Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
539. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth when she intends to publish full details of the 2026 July Summer Programme for children with special educational needs; the reason for the delay in issuing this information to schools and families; the steps being taken to ensure that schools have sufficient time to recruit the necessary staff to deliver the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30008/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails 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. Further information, including access to the application portal and the programme overview, will be communicated directly to all schools.
In the interim, schools are asked to begin prioritising those children in special schools and special classes for the school-based Summer Programme.
As in previous years, the home-based Summer Programme will be available to those children who have complex special educational needs for whom a school-based Summer Programme is unavailable.
