Home-School Liaison Scheme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Ceisteanna (203)

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

383 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the delays in the provision of home tuition application forms each year, that forms for the 2004-05 school year were only finalised by his Department and sent to parents in mid June 2004, leaving little time for parents to liaise with schools in the context of receiving the necessary confirmations; the reason parents have since been informed that home tuition authorisation is only valid until Christmas 2004; if he will make arrangements to ensure that home tuition is provided and confirmed to parents for the full school year 2004-05; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21536/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My Department has commenced a review of the provisions of the home tuition scheme. Among other things, this has involved a redesign of application forms, resulting in a delay in the issue of the revised forms. In addition, pending the outcome of the review, home tuition grants have been approved until the end of December 2004 only. It is proposed to notify arrangements for the remainder of the school year well in advance of that deadline. Parents-guardians have been asked to participate in this review by submitting comments or observations with regard to the operation of the scheme.