Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
258. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education if she will respond to matters raised in correspondence regarding a preschool (details supplied) in Dublin 11; when the preschool in question can expect a resolution to this funding issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7453/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra267. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of delays to payments (details supplied). [7524/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra325. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education her views on the concerns regarding the current funding crisis that is threatening a school for autistic children (details supplied). [8115/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 258, 267 and 325 together.
The 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 specific reasons, are unable to attend school. The terms of this scheme are set out in circular 24/2023 which is available on the Government of Ireland website gov - Home Tuition Grant Scheme 2023/2024 Special Education Component (www.gov.ie) www.gov.ie/en/circular/67f37-home-tuition-grant-scheme-20232024-special-education-component/.
Payments to group providers of home tuition, such as the facility concerned, are made directly to the provider on a monthly basis in arrears in accordance with my Department’s policy in this regard. Claim forms are to be submitted to my Department at the end of the month in which tuition has been provided and every effort is made to process these claims as soon as possible after the claim form is received from the facility. However, delays may be experienced from time to time if forms are incomplete or not submitted promptly by the provider. I can assure the deputies that every effort is being made to keep any delays to a minimum. The claim submitted by the facility in question in respect of home tuition for December 2023 has been fully processed and paid. The claim for January 2024 was received on February 8th 2024. This will be processed within the standard timeframe for the processing of correctly completed claim forms which is four to five weeks from the date of receipt.
