Special Educational Needs
Seanad Éireann — 2021-07-05
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Josepha Madigan (FG), Dublin Rathdown

Before I respond to Senator O'Loughlin, I congratulate Senator Flynn on the passage of Second Stage of the Traveller Culture and History in Education Bill 2018 in the Dáil last week. It is important Traveller culture and history is embedded within the education sector.
I thank Senator O'Loughlin for raising this important matter. The needs of children with special educational needs and children at most risk of educational disadvantage are a huge priority for the Government. As correctly pointed out by the Senator, these children were adversely impacted by Covid-19 and the closure of schools. The Government provided guidance and support for schools throughout this period and put in place a supplementary tuition programme for these children in March this year.
The programme was developed following extensive engagement with education stakeholders, parents and advocacy groups. It was important to me that any impediments or barriers to schools participating this year would be removed because we wanted to increase the uptake from last year. We wanted to maintain children's connection with education, build their confidence, increase their motivation and promote well-being for those who are at key transition stages. We also wanted to help to ensure that they continue their education journey in September, either in school or in further and higher education or training.
In regard to Senator O'Loughlin's local area, there are 35 schools in Kildare, 29 of which are primary, five are post-primary and one is a special school. In Laois, there are 24 primary schools taking part. The summer programme is important this year. As I mentioned earlier, Covid has had an adverse impact on these students. We are concerned about regression and the loss of key skills. That these students can avail of a summer programme is very important.
It is important to note that 34,000 children will benefit. That is a 161% increase on 2020. The programme is voluntary, not mandatory. As I said, we have removed the impediments to allow schools to volunteer to participate in the programme for all children.

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Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:49:29+00:00
Sitting date: 2021-07-05