1162. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth in relation to the school-based summer programme if the Department will consider an enhancement grant or other increased funding for special classes participating in the programme to support access to outings, sensory experiences and other activities that specifically benefit children with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61292/26]

Details of this year’s Summer Programme were published on 6 May 2026. Funding of €62 million has been secured to ensure the continuance of the annual investment in the 2026 Summer Programme. As in previous years, all of the funding will be utilised to meet the associated costs and ensure a comprehensive programme.

All schools have been given an opportunity to run a programme over the summer months for those children who need it most so that these children can continue to be supported, nurtured and encouraged to engage in a fun and inclusive educational setting

The main priority again in 2026 is that those children with complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, have access to a school-based programme.

In response to the Deputy’s question in relation to considering an enhancement grant or other increased funding for special classes participating in the programme, various supports are currently in place to encourage increased participation by schools. For special schools, these include: a bespoke pilot programme, the appointment of a National Coordinator, a shorter school day, additional grant funding, and school transport.

For all schools, supports include: key leadership roles like the Summer Programme Organiser and Summer Programme Manager, higher personal rate of pay for staff, a workforce portal to recruit external staff, faster payment to staff, and a transport grant for mainstream schools, where transport to and from the Summer Programme to home is identified as a barrier for certain students attending the programme.

As in 2025, the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Social Protection has continued to partner together in a pilot project designed to combat holiday hunger. Schools who provide meals during the school term can offer them during their summer programmes. The intention being to reduce the costs for schools running a summer programme and ease the burden on parents.

The Summer Programme also provides enhanced capitation funding, amounting to €30 per child per week for attending pupils in mainstream schools and €60 per child per week for attending pupils in special schools. The allocation and use of this funding is at the discretion of the school.