Mr. Frank Hanlon:

The Deputy is correct. As Ms Mannion said in her opening statement, we are reviewing it. Some 152 children are being supported by 52 tutors. The number of tutors is not strictly defined. It is based on need, so more teachers can be provided if needed. One of the one of the key things we want to look at is the efficiency of the payment system in particular, and how that works. We have some 1,400 children on home tuition across the wide spectrum in the Department so we have approximately 1,000 tutors on the payroll at any given time.

Previously, all payments would have gone directly to the families to give to the tutors. This has been changed on a phased basis. We are now looking at doing that specifically for the home tutors on the ISL scheme in particular because it makes the system much easier. Based on feedback we have had, this also makes it a bit more attractive for the tutors to take part in it. We will also talk to some of the families about how it is working for them.