Student Support Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017

Monday, 11 September 2017

Questions (424)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

424. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports available to deaf parents of hearing children who study through the medium of Irish in order to assist them at home with their studies; if supports are available from the home tuition department for these families in these circumstances and the application requirements for same; and his views on whether, in circumstances in which supports may not exist for deaf parents of hearing children who study through Irish, both children and parents are being impacted negatively and are at a disadvantage. [38435/17]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

In keeping with the Irish Constitution, which states that parents have primary responsibility for educating their child, parents can choose what school to send their child to, including choosing to educate their child through the medium of Irish.

My Department does not provide supports for parents of children who study through the medium of Irish in order to assist them at home with their studies, including parents who are deaf.

The Irish Sign Language (ISL) tuition scheme operated by my Department provides funding for a weekly tuition service whereby a tutor visits the home of a hearing impaired pre-school or school-going child to provide training in ISL for the child, their sibling(s) and parent(s)/guardian(s).  This service is available from the time of diagnosis until the child completes their post primary education.  This service is not intended for parents who are deaf of hearing children.