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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 22 May 2018

Written Answers Nos. 232-250

School Patronage

Ceisteanna (232)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

232. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which minority religious schools continue to be facilitated arising from recent agreement on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22667/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The objective of the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 is to make it easier for parents to access their local schools and to enrol their children in a school that meets their needs.

Report Stage for the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 is scheduled to commence on 29 May 2018.  I will be bringing forward an amendment on this date that will remove religion as a criterion which can be used in school admissions.

It is not fair that publicly funded schools which amount to 95% of primary schools can admit children of their own religion who might live some distance away ahead of children of a different religion or no religion who live close to the school. 

The amendment will also provide protections to ensure that children of minority religions can continue to access primary schools of their ethos.

The amendment will also involve amending the Equal Status Act 2000 to provide that a recognised primary school does not, however, discriminate where it admits as a priority a student from a minority religion who is seeking admission to a school that provides religious instruction or religious education consistent with the religious beliefs of the student concerned or a religion similar to that of the student concerned.

The amendment will allow a student from a minority religion to seek admission to a recognised primary school that runs a religious instruction or religious education programme that is the same or similar to the religious ethos of the student concerned. 

The amendments were published on 9 May 2018.

Minority religious communities because of their small size within the overall population, could find it extremely difficult to access schools of their own religious ethos. As a result of these changes, children of minority religions will be able access such schools. Unlike Catholic schools and Catholic families, these communities need this protection if they are going to continue to be able to access schools of their own religious ethos. 

As I have stated previously this is a complex area and there are no easy solutions to this problem but I believe that the approach taken is a reasonable and proportionate approach to balance the rights of all. 

Schools Data

Ceisteanna (233)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

233. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and second level school places available in Maynooth, County Kildare; the degree to which this is adequate to meet current and future demand; his plans for augmentation; when he expects the extra places required to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22668/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's Capital Programme (2016-2021) continues to address the challenges posed by the significant bulge in pupil enrolments going through our schools. This has seen a significant expansion in the rate of provision of new school places. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process, including those schools in County Kildare. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed.

The Deputy will be aware that the building project at Maynooth Post Primary school is continuing to progress to schedule. My Department and the local ETB, to whom the project has been devolved for delivery, are closely monitoring the project in the context of the main contractor recently entering examinership. It is hoped that the contractor will continue to maintain the economic and financial standing to deliver the project as planned.

The Deputy will also be aware that building projects for two primary schools in Maynooth are included on the 6 Year Construction Programme. In the case of Maynooth Educate Together National School, the project is at advanced architectural planning stage. The project is currently at tender stage, with construction anticipated to commence in Quarter 3, 2018.

The project for Maynooth Boys' National School is currently at Stage 2B of the architectural planning process - Detailed Design Stage, which includes applications for all statutory consents, including Planning Permission, Disability Access Certificate and Fire Safety Certificate. Planning Permission for this project has been granted.

The Stage 2B report has been reviewed by my Department with some minor issues to be addressed by the Design Team. My Department has written to the school with regard to a timeframe for progression of the project to the next stage. I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has set out on its website at www.education.ie. - Building Works, the current status of building projects and this is updated regularly.

I also wish to advise the Deputy of my recent announcement regarding the establishment of 42 new schools, including a primary school in Maynooth, over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure. 

Schools Data

Ceisteanna (234)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and second level school places available in Leixlip, County Kildare; the degree to which this is adequate to meet current and future demand; his plans for augmentation; when he expects the extra places required to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22669/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's Capital Programme (2016-2021) continues to address the challenges posed by the significant bulge in pupil enrolments going through our schools. This has seen a significant expansion in the rate of provision of new school places. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process, including those schools in County Kildare. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed.

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has set out on its website at www.education.ie. - Building Works, the current status of building projects and this is updated regularly.

I also wish to advise the Deputy of my recent announcement regarding the establishment of 42 new schools, including a new primary school in Leixlip, over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

Schools Data

Ceisteanna (235)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and second level school places available in Kilcock, County Kildare; the degree to which this is adequate to meet current and future demand; his plans for augmentation; when he expects the extra places required to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22670/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's Capital Programme (2016-2021) continues to address the challenges posed by the significant bulge in pupil enrolments going through our schools. This has seen a significant expansion in the rate of provision of new school places. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process, including those schools in County Kildare. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed.

The major building project for a primary school in Kilcock is at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2b (Detailed Design), which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.

Last February, my Department wrote to the school and its Design Team advising them of a timeframe for the progression of this project. The project was authorised to commence the Pre-Qualification of Contractors in April 2018. I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has set out on its website at www.education.ie. - Building Works, the current status of building projects and this is updated regularly.

I also wish to advise the Deputy of my recent announcement regarding the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure. 

Schools Data

Ceisteanna (236)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and second level school places available in Naas, County Kildare; the degree to which this is adequate to meet current and future demand; his plans, if any, for augmentation; when he expects the extra places required to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22671/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's Capital Programme (2016-2021) continues to address the challenges posed by the significant bulge in pupil enrolments going through our schools. This has seen a significant expansion in the rate of provision of new school places. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process, including those schools in County Kildare. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed.

The project at Naas Community College has been devolved for delivery to the local Education and Training Board (ETB). The ETB is currently pre-qualifying contractors for the project. I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has set out on its website at www.education.ie. - Building Works, the current status of building projects and this is updated regularly.

I also wish to advise the Deputy of my recent announcement regarding the establishment of 42 new schools, including a primary school in Naas, over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

Schools Data

Ceisteanna (237)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

237. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and second level school places available in Celbridge, County Kildare; the degree to which this is adequate to meet current and future demand; his plans, if any, for augmentation; when he expects the extra places required to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22672/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's Capital Programme (2016-2021) continues to address the challenges posed by the significant bulge in pupil enrolments going through our schools. This has seen a significant expansion in the rate of provision of new school places. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process, including those schools in County Kildare. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed.

Projects in respect of three schools in Celbridge will be progressed under my Department's 6 Year Construction Programme. The acquisition of a suitable site is required to advance the projects and this process is currently in train.

I wish to advise the Deputy of my recent announcement regarding the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has set out on its website at www.education.ie. - Building Works, the current status of building projects and this is updated regularly.

Schools Data

Ceisteanna (238)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and second level school places available in Clane, County Kildare; the degree to which this is adequate to meet current and future demand; his plans, if any, for augmentation; when he expects the extra places required to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22673/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's Capital Programme (2016-2021) continues to address the challenges posed by the significant bulge in pupil enrolments going through our schools. This has seen a significant expansion in the rate of provision of new school places. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process, including those schools in County Kildare. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed.

The major building project at the primary school in Clane is at an advanced stage of architectural planning Stage 2b (Detailed Design), which includes the application for statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been secured.

The Stage 2b submission has been reviewed by my Department and authorisation for the Pre-Qualification of Contractors issued last week.

A letter issued in March 2018, to the school and its Design Team advising them of a timeframe for the progression of this project through to tender and construction. I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has set out on its website at www.education.ie. - Building Works, the current status of building projects and this is updated regularly.

I wish to advise the Deputy of my recent announcement regarding the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

Schools Data

Ceisteanna (239)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and second level school places available in Newtown, County Kildare; the degree to which this is adequate to meet current and future demand; his plans, if any, for augmentation; when he expects the extra places required to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22674/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's Capital Programme (2016-2021) continues to address the challenges posed by the significant bulge in pupil enrolments going through our schools. This has seen a significant expansion in the rate of provision of new school places. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process, including those schools in County Kildare. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. My Department has received an application for capital funding from the primary school in Newtown. The application will be considered and a decision will be conveyed to the school authorities as soon as the assessment process has been completed.

I wish to advise the Deputy of my recent announcement regarding the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has set out on its website at www.education.ie. - Building Works, the current status of building projects and this is updated regularly.

Schools Data

Ceisteanna (240)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and second level school places available in Timahoe, County Kildare; the degree to which this is adequate to meet current and future demand; his plans, if any, for augmentation; when he expects the extra places required to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22675/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's Capital Programme (2016-2021) continues to address the challenges posed by the significant bulge in pupil enrolments going through our schools. This has seen a significant expansion in the rate of provision of new school places. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process, including those schools in County Kildare. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed.

I wish to advise the Deputy of my recent announcement regarding the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has set out on its website at www.education.ie. - Building Works, the current status of building projects and this is updated regularly.

Schools Data

Ceisteanna (241)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

241. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and second level school places available in Prosperous, County Kildare; the degree to which this is adequate to meet current and future demand; his plans, if any, for augmentation; when he expects the extra places required to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22676/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's Capital Programme (2016-2021) continues to address the challenges posed by the significant bulge in pupil enrolments going through our schools. This has seen a significant expansion in the rate of provision of new school places. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process, including those schools in County Kildare.

The Deputy will be aware that a building project for a post-primary in Prosperous is included in the Programme. In the context of progressing the building project, my Department has undertaken a site visit to the school. The schedule of accommodation for the project is currently being devised for the project. The building project will be devolved to Kildare Wicklow Education Training Board (KWETB) for delivery and it is my Department's intention to engage with KWETB shortly in this regard. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has set out on its website at www.education.ie. - Building Works, the current status of building projects and this is updated regularly.

I also wish to advise the Deputy of my recent announcement regarding the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

Schools Data

Ceisteanna (242)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and second level school places available in Rathcoffey, County Kildare; the degree to which this is adequate to meet current and future demand; his plans, if any, for augmentation; when he expects the extra places required to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22677/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's Capital Programme (2016-2021) continues to address the challenges posed by the significant bulge in pupil enrolments going through our schools. This has seen a significant expansion in the rate of provision of new school places. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process, including those schools in County Kildare. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed.

The Deputy will be aware of my recent announcement regarding the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

As the Deputy will also be aware, my Department approved a building project at Rathcoffey National School for the provision of two mainstream classrooms. The project has been devolved to the Board of Management for delivery and I understand that the project is currently at planning permission stage. I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has set out on its website at www.education.ie. - Building Works, the current status of building projects and this is updated regularly. 

Schools Data

Ceisteanna (243)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

243. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary and second level school places available in Johnstownbridge, County Kildare; the degree to which this is adequate to meet current and future demand; his plans, if any, for augmentation; when he expects the extra places required to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22678/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's Capital Programme (2016-2021) continues to address the challenges posed by the significant bulge in pupil enrolments going through our schools. This has seen a significant expansion in the rate of provision of new school places. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process, including those schools in County Kildare. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. 

I wish to advise the Deputy that a project to provide a mainstream classroom and 3 special education teaching rooms has recently been completed at the primary school in Johnstownbridge. 

I also wish to advise the Deputy of my recent announcement regarding the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.

My Department has set out on its website at www.education.ie. - Building Works, the current status of building projects and this is updated regularly. 

Education Policy

Ceisteanna (244)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

244. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the degree to which he remains confident that investment in education and the sciences at all levels will continue to be available in the future and having particular regard to the need for excellence in the face of growing competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22679/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The curriculum has to evolve if our schools are to successfully equip young people with the capacity to meet the requirements of a modern, competitive economy. I am confident that the actions being taken by my Department will serve to meet these requirements.

The Action Plan for Education details clear curriculum change and other commitments that will secure the step-change needed to equip learners with the skills necessary to participate in the modern economy and to meet the aim to make the Irish Education and Training service the best in Europe by 2026. It includes:

- actions to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at primary and post-primary levels;

- actions to increase competence in foreign languages;

- the introduction of a new Leaving Certificate Computer Science subject from September 2018;

- the development of a new Primary Mathematics Curriculum, which will support all children in the development of algorithmic and computational thinking, which form the basis of coding;

- the implementation of the Digital Strategy in schools to enrich the teaching, learning and assessment environment.

The entire thrust of Junior Cycle reform is to enrich the learning experience of pupils with new curricula, new opportunities for project work, team work, short courses, and the new Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement which can showcase this work. This approach puts a higher value on the competencies that employers seek.

As part of the Framework for Junior Cycle a new Science specification was introduced in September 2016, while the new Mathematics specification will be implemented from September 2018. A short course on coding is also in place.

At Senior Cycle a review of the Leaving Certificate and vocational pathways has been commenced by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. At Primary Level a review of structure and time allocation is also under way.

Question No. 245 answered with Question No. 230.

Special Educational Needs Staff Data

Ceisteanna (246)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

246. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which the number of SNAs required at primary and second level throughout County Kildare is being met and likely to be improved throughout 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22681/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department’s policy is to ensure that every child who is assessed as needing SNA support will receive access to such support.

I was very pleased to announce last Friday that 800 additional Special Needs Assistants will be allocated for the beginning of the next school year, with a further 140 expected to be allocated by the end of the year.

I was extremely pleased to be able to make the announcement on Friday, in keeping with the commitment made last year to inform schools of the September 2018 allocation before the end of May. In making this announcement at this time I am providing certainty to schools, parents and of course SNA's in relation to the posts that will be in place for the coming school year.  

By the end of this year, there will be a total of 15,000 Special Needs Assistants working in our schools, a 42% increase on 2011. The National Council for Special Education notified the schools of their SNA allocations on Friday last and the details of these allocations are now published and available on their website.  

I am pleased to confirm that the total allocation for County Kildare for September 2018 has been increased from 584.63 to 629.37, an increase of 26.4 for primary schools, an increase of 16.5 for secondary schools and an additional 2 SNAs for special schools.

Ensuring that children with special educational needs are supported and given the opportunity to reach their full potential is a key priority for this Government. In the region of €1.75 billion will be invested in Special Education in 2018, nearly one fifth of the overall Education budget, and up 43% since 2011. 

Apprenticeship Programmes

Ceisteanna (247)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

247. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding will be made available to Kildare County Council to establish an apprenticeship training school in a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22711/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Further Education and Training (FET) provision, including apprenticeship training, is planned at a national level by SOLAS.  Applications for funding for FET are made to SOLAS by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) as part of the overall FET planning process. It is a matter for the management of each ETB to decide on the allocation of funding to FET programmes and to schools and colleges within their area. 

In this context, I have been informed that Kildare Wicklow ETB have not made an application for funding for apprenticeship training at the school in question.

Sexual Offences Data

Ceisteanna (248)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

248. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, in cases of historical sexual abuse in which a prior complaint cannot be established but the perpetrator has been convicted of the crime, survivors of this abuse will be compensated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22714/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Widening the parameters of the ex-gratia scheme introduced following the ECtHR judgment in the Louise O'Keeffe case to include cases where there was no prior complaint but there was a criminal conviction has been examined.

Such an approach would unfairly discriminate against those who were abused but whose abusers were not convicted (e.g., due to no complaint, level of response to the complaint, investigation of the complaint, a decision not to prosecute or acquittal in Court).

In addition, the fact that there was a criminal conviction, while it might provide evidence of abuse, does not of itself provide a causal connection to a failure to act on the part of the State.

There is consistent legal advice that the State's interpretation of the ECtHR judgement in the Louise O'Keeffe case is legally sound and in keeping with that judgement. 

Home Tuition Scheme Provision

Ceisteanna (249, 250)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

249. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children who avail of home tuition by county in tabular form. [22715/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

250. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children who have a diagnosis of ASD and avail of home tuition by county in tabular form. [22716/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 250 together.

The purpose of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for

1. Early educational intervention for children with autism who meet the scheme's eligibility criteria

2. Children with special educational needs, including autism, seeking an educational placement in a recognised school 

3. Students, enrolled in schools, with a significant medical condition that has caused, and is likely to continue to cause, major disruption to their attendance at school.

The preferred approach is that children are educated in school settings where children may have access to fully qualified teachers, individualised education programmes, special needs assistants, school curriculum with the option, where possible and appropriate, of full or partial integration and interaction with other pupils.

Accordingly, Home Tuition is provided as an interim measure only for children for whom a placement in a recognised school is not available and should not be regarded as an optional alternative to a school placement. 

Each of the strands of the scheme prescribe the hours available for allocation. For children with Autism aged from 2.5 years to 3 years the number of tuition hours available is 10. From 3 years, for children with Autism for whom school placements are not available, the number of available tuition hours is 20 per week.

For children with special educational needs over 4 years for whom school placements are not available, the number of available tuition hours is 20 per week.

For children with medical conditions the hours granted are reflective of the time the student has been absent from school which are set out in the annual Home Tuition Circular.

Statistics as requested by the Deputy in relation to the 2016/17 school year are in the table. Statistics for the 2017/18 school year are will not be finalised until the end of June 2018.

County

Early educational intervention for

children with autism who meet the schemes eligibility criteria, between the age of 2.5 and 3 years

Children with special educational needs aged 3 to 5 years, including autism, seeking an educational

placement in a recognised school

Children with special educational needs aged 6+, including autism, seeking an educational

placement in a recognised school

Students, enrolled in schools, with significant medical conditions which has caused, and is likely to continue to cause, major disruption to their attendance at school

Total

Carlow

3

6

8

17

Cavan

1

5

7

13

Clare

3

6

1

26

36

Cork County Borough

37

156

12

112

317

Donegal

4

8

1

29

42

Dublin County Borough

29

293

24

109

455

Galway County

10

32

2

38

82

Kerry

2

7

5

40

54

Kildare

6

29

1

17

53

Kilkenny

3

6

8

17

Laoighis

2

12

12

26

Leitrim

0

3

3

6

Limerick County

19

77

32

128

Longford

2

11

1

14

28

Louth

1

1

19

21

Mayo

6

15

1

22

44

Meath

8

38

3

27

76

Monaghan

3

1

8

12

Offaly

9

11

22

42

Roscommon

3

9

1

19

32

Sligo

0

1

8

9

Tipperary N.R.

12

13

1

28

54

Waterford County Borough

1

9

12

22

Westmeath

12

28

2

10

52

Wexford

1

9

3

20

33

Wicklow

5

12

22

39

TOTALS

182

798

58

672

1710

Barr
Roinn