Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2021
107. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if she will liaise with the Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion in actively facilitating the transfer of home tuition to school premises for certain children with special educational needs (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23538/21]
View answer108. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education the action she will take to ensure the transfer of home tuition for a child (details below) to a school premises in north County Kildare or its reasonably accessed surrounds as is possible and allowable given the urgent and serious need of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23539/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.
The purpose of my Departments Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school.
However, it should also be noted that the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is not an alternative to a school placement and is provided in very limited and specific circumstances.
In certain circumstances Home tuition hours may be used to support the reintegration of children into their school placement.
In relation to the particular case raised by the Deputy, I understand that the relevant support services and agencies, including NEPS and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) are aware of the case and are working towards ensuring that the child can be reintegrated into a school placement.
The relevant support services and agencies will consider whether home tuition hours are required to support this work.
