Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
356. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the difficulty for parents in sourcing tutors to provide home tuition for children with special educational needs; his plans to address the shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20051/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school.
The scheme also provides a compensatory educational service for children with special educational needs seeking an educational placement. Provision is also made for early intervention for children with autism.
As tuition takes place outside the usual school structure it is important that the educational programme provided generally reflects that which would be provided in a school environment.
It is appropriate therefore that the qualification standard for Home Tuition generally reflects that required in a school environment. Accordingly, it is a condition of the scheme that parents/guardians must recruit a tutor who is qualified in the relevant sector, and is registered with the Teaching Council, similar to the requirement for teachers in schools.
Where all efforts have failed to secure the services of a teacher qualified to teach in the sector concerned, the Department may consider the engagement of a person who is registered with the Teaching Council and has a primary degree (minimum Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in a relevant area.
The operation of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is reviewed annually. Officials in my Department are currently reviewing the terms of the 2017/18 Home Tuition Grant Scheme which will take into consideration any issues arising during the past year.
