Special Educational Needs Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Questions (259)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

259. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the situation regarding a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15, whereby parents have been informed that tuition funding for the school may be terminated; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the school provides an exceptional service which is relied upon not only by families in the Dublin area, but also in Kildare and West Wicklow where autism services are severely lacking; if he will commit to ensuring the continued operation of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22449/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that the Home Tuition Scheme operated by my Department is designed to support children who are not in a position to attend school. Because of this it is generally the case that the tuition is provided at the child's place of residence although many parents use the funding, subject to conditions, to attend private pre-schools.

The private pre-school in question in not funded directly by my Department although some parents use their home tuition funding to attend the facility. Officials at my Department are currently liaising with the parents in question in an effort to resolve the current issue regarding funding.