Fianna Fáil’s Education spokesperson in the Seanad, Senator Fiona O’Loughlin today called for a debate on the summer provision programme.
Senator O’Loughlin said, “It’s great to see significant funding is being made available for July provisions, it’s really, really important. We all know the importance of consistency and routine and structure for those that are availing of special education.”
She continued saying, “it’s a real problem for so many parents of children with special needs that they cannot get a July provision place. Particularly for those that are actually in special schools. So, I think it has to be looked at and it has to be examined.”
“One of the issues that is really important and very significant is the low rate of pay that SNA’s receive in relation to providing July provisions, and the fact that last year that was not paid until January. We really have to look at that again.”
Senator O’Loughlin concluded by saying “I am pleased that the Leader of the Seanad has agreed to arranging a debate on the issue. We need to do everything we can to support students and their families as well as schools.”
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