Home Tuition Scheme Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2019

Tuesday, 21 May 2019

Questions (233)

Jack Chambers

Question:

233. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the home tuition grant application process to make it less cumbersome and onerous for parents of children with autism; if his attention has been drawn to criticisms of the application process by parents because parents must acquire three refusal letters from schools; his views on whether the home tuition grant applications process could be more streamlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21385/19]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

My Departments Home Tuition Grant Scheme provides funding towards a compensatory educational service for children where a school placement is not available as confirmed by the NCSE, through the local Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO).

The availability of a school placement is assessed by the NCSE local SENO having regard to documentary evidence provided by Parents in relation to enrolment.

The operation of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is reviewed annually.

Officials in my Department are currently reviewing the terms of the Scheme, in consultation with the NCSE, and will take into consideration the issue raised by the Deputy.