Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 June 2007
289 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will resolve the outstanding matters in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo relating to a home tuition package. [17814/07]
View answer290 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will assist persons (details supplied) in County Mayo. [17815/07]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 290 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the home tuition scheme provides funding to facilitate the provision of education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting an educational placement. As there is an educational placement available to the pupil she does not qualify for tuition under the terms of the scheme.
As the Deputy is aware a specific function of the National Council Special Education, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is to identify appropriate educational placement for all children with special educational needs. The SENO is a focal point of contact for parents and school and is available to parents to provide support and advice.
I understand from my officials that the SENO is currently liaising with the parents to progress the post primary options available to the pupil in question.
291 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if a home tuition grant for a pre-school child with autism spectrum disorder will be allowed to be used towards the tuition fees for a school (details supplied) in County Meath; if not, the reasons for this being the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17830/07]
View answerI am pleased to advise the Deputy that the tuition grant can be used towards the fees of the pre-school concerned as my Department has reached agreement with the provider in question.
