Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
300. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in processing the application for the home schooling of a person (details supplied) given that all requested documentation has been submitted over four weeks ago. [46625/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question.
My Department's Home Tuition Grant Schemes provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school. By its nature, it is intended to be a short term intervention.
The Home Tuition Grant Schemes are governed by annual circulars which sets out the purpose, eligibility criteria and details of the scheme. Circular 0024/2023 provides information in relation to the 2023/2024 Home Tuition Grant Scheme and can be accessed by clicking on the following link: www.gov.ie/en/circular/67f37-home-tuition-grant-scheme-20232024-special-education-component/
The purpose of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for:
- Early educational intervention for children with autism who meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria
- Students with special educational needs seeking an educational placement in a recognised school
- Students, enrolled in schools, with a significant medical condition, or school phobia and/or associated depression/anxiety, which has caused, and is likely to continue to cause, major disruption to their attendance at school
In exceptional cases the Department will consider home tuition applications on behalf of students with a significant medical condition, or diagnoses of school phobia and/or associated depression/anxiety which has caused, and is likely to continue to cause, major disruption to their attendance at school. This exception will only apply where a continued absence from school is required to facilitate appropriate medical or therapeutic intervention with a view to the reintegration of the student in their school.
In relation to applications in respect of students with a significant medical condition or a diagnosis of school phobia and/or associated depression/anxiety, the principle that home tuition cannot be provided as an alternative to school applies.
Eligibility in exceptional cases is assessed having regard to, although not limited to, the following criteria:
- The student’s attendance levels during the previous school year (i.e. 2022/2023 school year).
- Psychologist’s/psychiatrist’s report which should
- Clearly confirm a diagnosis of school phobia and/or associated depression/anxiety.
- Provide details of medical or therapeutic intervention plans in place with a view to reintegrate the student back into his/her school.
- Details of engagement with the relevant support agencies (e.g. School, National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), Education Welfare Officer (EWO), Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Tusla (Child and Family Agency), HSE, NCSE).
In the case referred to by the Deputy, whilst we have received an application in respect of the child concerned, my Department is waiting on the appropriate supporting documentation which had been requested from the parent on the 29 August 2023. Once this has been received, a decision on the application for home tuition will be made as a priority. The documentation, when available, can be returned to: Home Tuition Unit, Special Education Section, Department of Education, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.
