Mr. Mark O'Connor:

Parents have to do all the legwork. In fairness this year, however, the NCSE has produced a document that indicates - again it is only a sign-posting exercise - the websites where tutors will advertise that they can work on the July provision scheme.

This year the scheme has changed slightly. Most years, one would ordinarily express an interest in taking part in the scheme and then later on the Department would send an email asking one to fully apply. This year, that system is not there. Without the proper guidance, many parents do not realise that they have to print off the actual claim form and that the principal has to sign it. That is their authorisation to go ahead to get a tutor. The parents then have to see the tutor's Garda clearance, or proof of it, signed by a notary, a solicitor or a commissioner of oaths. While there is a rationale for the Garda vetting, these are the barriers and difficulties that parents face. At least this year there is a bit of guidance on where parents can go to look for tutors. It is very much, however, that the parent has to go out and find somebody.