Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 3

Written Answers. - Home Tuition Scheme.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

166 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the support which is available for a family which exists on a wage which is added to by the family income supplement scheme and which has children who, through chronic illness, for example, asthma, are falling behind in primary school and who would need after school services to assist them keep apace of their education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22033/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My Departments home tuition scheme is intended to provide compensatory instruction for pupils with a medical ailment that is likely to cause major disruption to their attendance at school on a continuing basis. It may be provided for pupils who cannot attend school at all, or are absent for a significant proportion of the school year where academic performance appropriate to their level of ability is affected.

Home tuition is not to be used as a substitute for attendance at school where a child is capable of making a reasonable level of attendance at school, but not doing so. Neither is it intended as a means of providing State financial assistance towards supplementary education or grinds for pupils. It is open to the family in question to contact my Departments special education section in Athlone concerning its children's educational needs in order that full consideration may be given to the case.