Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
669. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education the reason an education company (details supplied) has not yet received payment from her Department for a summer programme scheme which it supplied in Summer 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1656/24]
View answerDetails of the 2023 Summer Programme were announced by the Department in February 2023. All schools were given an opportunity to run a programme for those children that needed it the most.
The main priority in 2023 had been that those children with the most complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, should have access to a school-based summer programme. The preferred approach is that the Summer Programme is provided for children in school settings where children may have access to fully qualified teachers, adapted fun based activity programmes, special needs assistants and interaction with student peers. The school-based programmes also provide a more holistic experience for students and helps to retain the important connection with school and peers. However, the Department does recognise that not all schools would have been in a position to provide a school-based programme. In such instances, a home-based Programme was available for students with complex special educational needs where the school-based programme is unavailable.
Under the home-based programme, grant funding is made available so that parents/legal guardians can engage the services of a Teacher or an SNA to provide tuition or care support as appropriate in the child’s home.
The Department also approves a group arrangement between parents/legal guardians and private providers subject to compliance with the published terms and conditions for group arrangements and approved in advance by this Department. Such arrangements must be sourced and procured by parents/legal guardians.
In the case of the education company referred to by the Deputy, I can confirm that this company did partake in the 2023 Summer Programme as a private group provider and that payment has now been made in respect of the 2023 Summer Programme to them. Lastly, please be assured that the Department will endeavour to minimise the delay in paying these providers for this very important service going forward.
