Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2019
90. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of home tuition grants which were not processed within two weeks of receipt; the number of applications received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39172/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Departments Special Education Home Tuition Grant scheme provides funding towards a compensatory educational service for children with special educational needs seeking an educational placement for whom such a placement is not available. The scheme also provides for early intervention for children with Autism.
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.
Applications forms must be signed by the NCSE local SENO to confirm that no placement is currently available for a child. SENOs are processing home tuition applications as a matter of urgency.
My Department also provides a Home Tuition Scheme for 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. These applications can be complex and need to be considered on their individual merits.
The Home Tuition Schemes outline that it may take my Department up to 15 working days to process complete home tuition applications. All complete applications have been processed within this timeframe.
My Department has prioritised the processing of home tuition applications and the vast majority of complete applications were processed within a shorter timeframe.
Details of the number of complete applications received and processed are outlined in the following table.
|
Number of completed received |
Approved |
Being Processed |
|
Medical |
145 |
66 |
|
Early Intervention |
275 |
24 |
|
SEN school aged no placement |
124 |
14 |
|
Total |
544 |
83 |
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.
