Vol. 547 No. 3
371 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether a child educated at home after the age of 16 automatically losing child benefit constitutes a limitation of the educational rights of the child and parent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3162/02]
I have asked my officials to consult officials in the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs regarding the conditions for the recognition of "in full time education" in so far as it concerns pupils aged 16 or over who are being educated in the home.
I have sought to ensure that there is a proper legislative underpinning to school attendance. I see the recently enacted Education (Welfare) Act 2000 achieving this. The Act provides for the establishment of the National Educational Welfare Board and a nationwide educational welfare service, with a view to ensuring that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives an adequate level of education. Section 14 of the Act requires that the National Educational Welfare Board establish and maintain a register of all children in receipt of education in a place other than a recognised school. The board has been established on an interim basis and I have given approval for the recruitment of a chief executive officer. The service will be implemented on a phased basis in line with a plan to be developed by the board.
Parents who opt to educate their children at home will have the protections outlined in the Act available to them. In addition, they have access to the State's examinations system.
