Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
326. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position on a review of July provision hours in respect of children (details supplied) in County Donegal; the reason these children are not being treated individually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34368/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism that choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe-profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant-aided.
The allocation of home based provision to siblings for July Provision is reflective of the school grouping principle. This is where one teacher is allocated to a class of six pupils at the appropriate educational level, primary or post primary. Accordingly it is considered appropriate, as in a school situation, that a tutor can provide tuition at the appropriate educational level to more than one sibling at that level simultaneously in the home.
However, in recognition of the differing needs of some siblings, separate allocations were considered on a case by case basis. Applications in this regard required supporting documentation including professional reports from a psychologist or a letter from the principal of the school detailing the existing arrangements currently in place for the respective children and providing reasons why they cannot be tutored together in the home.
An appeal regarding the joint allocation to the siblings to whom the Deputy refers was unsuccessful and the original decision was upheld.
