I raise the school summer programme, which was formerly called the July provision. I have been contacted by numerous parents, school staff and principals who are really frustrated and very stressed. People at St. Michael's school and Scoil Mhuire in Trim, St. Anne's school in Navan and many more schools across Meath West have told me they have not been allocated enough resources and staff by the Department to run the programme this year. The summer programme has been really responsive to me and I know its staff are working with schools. However, I am really concerned that the wording in the relevant circular will trump common sense. The summer programme is not a summer camp or a luxury. It is a really valuable educational programme and an essential support for parents. We must make sure the letter of the law in terms of this circular is not enforced and that the school summer programme team works closely with schools to get them what they need. These schools and parents know the ratio of teachers and SNAs to children that is needed.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The Department is saying it has received more applications for the school-based scheme this year than the number that ran it in 2025, with increases across primary, post-primary and special schools. In addition, the number of home-based applications has significantly increased since last year. Officials in the Department are engaging with schools on an individual basis in relation to the running of the summer programme. The staffing allocation for special class groups in the primary school scheme is typically the same as the special class resource allocation that exists during the school year.

After this year's scheme, there should be a review of this. We need to target our resources at those most in need. The scheme has been expanding significantly.