Mayo Councillor welcomes reopening of July provision portal

Councillor Alma Gallagher has welcomed confirmation from the Department of Education that the July Provision registration portal will reopen from Tuesday to Friday next week, following representations she made on behalf of families and schools across Mayo. The decision comes after widespread concern from parents, principals and school staff who were left unable to complete registrations due to a sudden change in the application process and an extremely short application window. The July Provision Programme provides vital educational supports for children with additional needs during the summer months. This year, the Department introduced a new online application system, merging the Home-Based and School-Based schemes into a single portal. However, many schools were unaware of the changes until after the deadline had passed.

Welcoming the Department’s decision to reopen the portal, Councillor Gallagher said: "I am delighted that, following my representations to the Department of Education and Ministerial offices, the July Provision registration portal will now reopen from Tuesday to Friday next week. This is a welcome and sensible decision that will provide schools and families with a second opportunity to complete registrations and ensure children do not lose out on supports they are entitled to.

"Over recent weeks, I have been contacted by numerous parents, principals and school staff who were deeply concerned that children with additional needs would miss out because schools had not received adequate notice of the new application process. Many schools were effectively locked out through no fault of their own.

"I raised these concerns directly with the Department, Ministerial offices and the July Provision section, highlighting the significant anxiety this situation was causing families. I am pleased that those concerns have now been recognised and acted upon."

Councillor Gallagher said the reopening of the portal will give schools the opportunity to complete registrations and ensure eligible children can access the supports they need over the summer period.

"This is an important outcome for families across Mayo. While the portal reopening is very welcome, it is also clear that lessons must be learned about communication and implementation when introducing changes to schemes that vulnerable children and families rely upon. "I would encourage all schools that were unable to complete registrations previously to make use of the reopening period next week and ensure applications are submitted. My office will continue to assist any families or schools experiencing difficulties."

Councillor Gallagher thanked the parents, schools and education staff who brought the issue to her attention and said she will continue to advocate for improved access to educational supports for children with additional needs.