Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 September 2019
163. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the applications for home tuition for the current academic year have now been processed; if not, when it is expected that they will be completed; if he will ensure that application forms are available earlier in 2020 and into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38525/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide a compensatory educational service for
- (a) Early educational intervention for children with autism who meet the schemes eligibility criteria
- (b) Students with special educational needs seeking an educational placement in a recognised school
- (c) 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
The application forms and related Circular for this year’s scheme were published on the 8th August 2019. Last year, the forms and circular were published on the 26th July 2018.
The Home Tuition Application form outlines that it may take the Department up to 15 working days to process home tuition applications.
The vast majority of applications made during the summer have been processed. The Department is prioritising the processing of Home Tuition applications with a view to processing completed applications within a shorter timeframe.
The operation of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is reviewed annually. Officials in my Department will review the operation of the 2019/20 Home Tuition Grant Scheme which will take into consideration any issues arising during the school year.
