Brian O'Shea
Ceist:196 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the additional provision he will make for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7387/02]
Written Answers. - Home Tuition Scheme.
Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods): The home tuition scheme operated by my Department seeks to ensure that a pupil who cannot attend school at a particular juncture continues to receive a certain level of educational provision. The scheme allows for the provision of up to nine hours one-to-one tuition per week, which is generally provided in the child's home. Home tuition was not offered as an alternative to mainstream education for the child referred to by the Deputy, rather it is meant to ensure the continuation of a certain level of education during the period that a suitable full-time school placement is being sought for her.
In order to progress this case further a questionnaire issued to the child's mother, which has helped identify her educational needs and provide my Department with written permission to contact schools and the National Educational Psychological Service on behalf of her child. The advice of my Department's inspectorate has been sought in this case, and I understand that St. Declan's Community College, Kilmacthomas, County Waterford, has agreed to enrol the child from September 2002.