Vol. 566 No. 1
357 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the circumstances whereby home tuition hours promised for persons (details supplied) in County Cork for the school academic year have been threatened for removal on 30 April 2003. [12134/03]
The home tuition scheme is intended to cater for pupils who are unable to attend school on a regular basis because of a grave medical ailment. It is also provided to pupils who are awaiting an appropriate educational placement. I understand from my officials that ten hours per week home tuition was sanctioned for the children referred to by the Deputy until the end of the current school year. I further understand that following a recent review of home tuition cases, my officials became aware that the pupils in question were enrolled in a special junior school catering for pupils with autism, where each class has a pupil teacher ratio of 6:1 and two special needs assistants. Consequently, the home tuition was withdrawn with effect from the end of April.
358 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the home tuition schemes administered by his Department; the number of students currently availing of such schemes; the amount spent in 2000, 2001 and 2002 and to be spent in 2003 on the schemes; the changes, if any, that he envisages in the space, scale and criteria for admission or administration of the schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12135/03]
There are currently 732 pupils availing of the home tuition scheme. From September 2000 to June 2001, €2.28 million was spent on the home tuition scheme. A total of €3.92 million was spent on the scheme for the 2001-02 school year. The cost for the 2002-03 school year is estimated to be in the region of €6.13 million.
The home tuition scheme is intended to provide compensatory instruction to pupils with a medical ailment that is likely to cause major disruption to their attendance at school on a continuing basis. It is also utilised in instances where specific types of tuition are recommended by educational psychologists that may not be available in mainstream or special classes locally and until a suitable school placement can be arranged. The scheme is also used to fund tuition during the month of July for children with autistic spectrum disorders and severe or profound general learning disabilities who have specific needs and are not receiving school-based teaching due to school holidays. The cost of the July provision was in the region of €74,500 in 2001, €287,500 in 2002 and more than €363,500 for July 2003. I have no plans to change the scheme at this time.
