I wish to raise a couple of issues, the first of which is July provision. In recent weeks, there has been a lot of discussion of the issue and a focus group including the Department, various parents' groups and so on has discussed the potential for a new programme of July provision. Looking at the figures from 2021, it can be seen that we set aside more than €40 million but not all of this funding was used because a significant number of schools did not take part in July provision. The reality is that a significant number of children and parents did not get the provision they needed and were entitled to as a result. I look forward to seeing the proposals from the Department because significant changes to the scheme are needed to make sure that the children who need this provision actually get it.

I also raise an issue on behalf of a number of parents and advocacy groups with regard to children attending special schools and classes, and the fact that the children cannot be allowed to be excluded from school due to a chronic illness. They should only be excluded from school based upon public health advice. The fact is that a large number of schools are sending text messages to parents telling them to keep their children home if they have any symptoms of Covid-19. The House will be well aware that there are a number of Covid-19 symptoms in existence, many of which mirror a great deal of typical childhood illnesses. Yes, it is important that schools keep staff and other children safe but they cannot be excluding children who might have hay fever, for example. That illness can continue on into September or October.

I ask and remind schools and parents that children with special educational needs have many chronic underlying conditions which have some of these symptoms. In these circumstances, where these symptoms are known and are the ongoing health features of a child, this should not preclude the attendance of that child at school. Parents and schools should now focus on new and acute symptoms of Covid-19 in such children. In circumstances where this arises, and only in these circumstances, should children be kept home from school.

I thank Senator Carrigy. I thought that the Senator had the last word but he has the penultimate word as we are leaving the final word with Senator Conway.

Gabhaim buíochas, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. County Clare is one of the counties that has welcomed a significant number of Ukrainian refugees in the past number of days. Almost 1,000 refugees from Ukraine are now living among us in north and west Clare. Of those, 500 are in the town of Lisdoonvarna and almost another 200 are in the village of Ballyvaughan, just up the road. That brings challenges with it but challenges we as a nation, a county and an area are certainly very capable of stepping up to the plate to meet.

I appeal to all State agencies to respond, please, in a timely manner and to be quick in their decision-making, bearing in mind the background from which the Ukrainian people have come. Teachers are needed for the schools as urgently as possible. We need to be providing a significant number of English classes. My understanding at the moment is that it is being proposed to have two English classes a week. There should, however, be at least two English classes a day.

The one thing I have experienced from my engagement with the people from Ukraine is that they are very diverse but very much want to work and contribute to our society. These are people who were living ordinary lives a number of weeks ago and now find themselves in this terrible situation. My appeal today, and I am aware that we are having statements on the humanitarian aid programme tomorrow, is that every day matters. I want each Minister to appoint liaison people within their Departments who will respond to queries from people like ourselves and the many NGOs who are out there working tremendously hard to create and ensure that the céad míle fáilte that we want to see extended to the Ukrainian people who are seeking refuge here with us is acted upon so that they feel welcome. Their various and unique requirements should be met where at all possible.