Ministers McEntee and Moynihan welcome increase in schools participating in 2025 Summer Programmes
- Published on: 24 July 2025
- Last updated on: 24 July 2025
Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, and Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan, have welcomed the unprecedented increase in schools participating in the Summer Programme 2025.
This year’s Summer Programme has seen the highest participation rate for schools, with 1,800 schools across the country registered for more than 2,000 schemes, marking a 16% rise in numbers since 2024.
The increase comes following a €62 million investment in funding for the 2025 Summer Programme. This year’s funding marks a significant increase from the €40 million allocated in previous years, with all resources directed toward ensuring that Ireland’s most vulnerable children can access school-based summer learning experiences.
Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee said:
“I am delighted to see so many schools participating in the 2025 Summer Programme. This is a vital initiative that provides continuity, structure, and joy to thousands of children during the summer months, and I am so delighted to see more schools participating in the programme this year, benefitting thousands of students. The Summer Programme is only possible because of the hard work and dedication of schools and school staff. I am deeply grateful to all of the schools, teachers, and SNAs who make this possible for children.”
Minister Moynihan said:
“It’s fantastic to see so many schools, particularly special schools, participating in this year’s Summer Programme. The Summer Programme is designed to support children with the most complex needs, and I’ve seen first-hand how schools go above and beyond when it comes to providing a variety of educational and fun initiatives during the Summer Programme. It’s great to see over 80 special schools already registered to run programmes and I commend those schools wholeheartedly for doing so. The capitation rate is €60 per week per child for special schools and I would encourage as many special schools as possible to run a programme."
Notes
Evaluations by the department’s Inspectorate in 2023 and 2024 found the programme to be “engaging, enjoyable, and life-changing” for participating children and young people.
Where a school-based programme is not available, the Home-based Summer Programmeremains an option for children with complex special educational needs.
Special schools have shown remarkable engagement, with 72 participating in 2024, representing an 85 per cent increase over two years. In 2025, over 80 special schools have registered for this year’s programme.
Since 2019, the programme has expanded dramatically—from 300 schools and 13,000 children to over 59,000 children in 2024, a 354 per cent increase in participation.