School Staff

Thursday, 18 June 2026

Ceisteanna (290)

Michael Murphy

Ceist:

290. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of a case in which a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary that identified demand for an additional Summer Programme class for vulnerable pupils, has yet to receive amended sanction for the required staffing and class allocation despite the programme being due to commence within days; the steps she will take to ensure that all eligible pupils can participate in the programme as planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46633/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

Details 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.

As communicated to all schools at the outset, it is intended that schools will be engaged with on an individual basis in the week commencing the 25th May. During that period, schools will receive a follow-up email confirming the number of pupils approved to participate in this year’s programme, along with their school’s assigned staffing allocation. This approach ensures that each school receives clear, tailored information to assist with effective planning.

In the case of the school referred to by the Deputy, Department officials have confirmed that they have been engaging directly with the school in relation to their allocation for the Summer Programme.