The summer programme or July provision scheme has proven an invaluable resource to families and provides a vital service over the course of the summer months. Since the turn of the decade, those numbers have quadrupled from 13,000 to almost 70,000. However, I have received a number of queries from principals in the past 24 hours whose special needs assistant, SNA, allocation for this summer scheme has been cut. One particular example is Ballinamere National School, which had nine SNAs last year. It has been allocated six by the Department. We have had many debates in relation to SNAs in this Chamber. I would like reassurance from the Government that there will be no cut to SNAs in relation to the summer programme and that it will ensure that this vital service can be provided from 24 June. It is only a matter of weeks away. I would like that reassurance from the Government today to ensure that it can prevail so that activities can be booked and families can be accommodated.

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