Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
1124 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of outstanding applications for home tuition with her Department; the average time taken to process each application; the reason for the delay in approving these applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1373/05]
View answerThe home tuition scheme is primarily intended to provide compensatory instruction for pupils who have a medical ailment that is likely to cause major disruption of their attendance at school. My Department continues to provide home tuition grants to pupils who cannot attend school at all, or are absent for a significant proportion of the school year.
My officials are currently undertaking a review of the home tuition scheme. One of the matters being considered is the extent to which home tuition grants should be paid to children who are also enrolled in schools. Pending the outcome of the review, existing home tuition grants have been approved until the end of the current school year.
There are currently some 200 applications for home tuition in my Department. Approximately 150 of these are not affected by the review and will be processed in the normal manner over the coming four to six weeks. The remaining approximate 50 applications are being examined as part of the review.
1125 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application will be approved for home tuition for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; the reason for the delay in approving the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1374/05]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that my Department is currently undertaking a review of the home tuition scheme and my officials are endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible. A response to the application for home tuition for the child in question will be conveyed to the parents as soon as the review has been completed.
I understand from my officials that the pupil in question is currently receiving 12 hours per week pre-school service from the Brothers of Charity Services. Any other interventions being provided for the pupil in question will be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate level of home tuition provision.
