Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2013
197. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that children who were previously in receipt of 20 hours per week home tuition and who are now in early intervention units receiving only ten hours tuition will receive the balance of the home tuition hours they are owed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41853/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the purpose of the Home Tuition Scheme is to provide a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school or for children with a special educational need who are awaiting an educational placement and also to provide early educational intervention for pre-school children with autism. Pupils in early intervention classes for children with autism are therefore not eligible for home tuition. These classes whether part of mainstream or special schools operate under the rules for national schools and the associated circulars. Primary Circular 11/95 specifically addresses the length of a school day for infant classes.
If a parent, for whatever reason, arranges that their child will only attend school for a portion of the school day, the attendance will not be supplemented through the home tuition scheme. If however the Deputy is aware of any school which is in breach of the circular directive he should bring the details to the attention my officials.
