Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

However, in order to accommodate difficulties anticipated in sourcing a qualified tuition provider, an extension of sanction with the current tutor was given until the end of this school year. It is in the interests of children that home tutors funded under this scheme be appropriately qualified tuition providers. It is for this reason tuition providers will be required to meet the minimum qualification standard for the 2007-08 school year.

I thank the Deputy again for giving me the opportunity to clarify the position of the Department of Education and Science. I will consider the points he has made and raise them with the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin.

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