John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I do not concede it is a backward step. The Department awards approximately €36,000 for home tuition. While I do not suggest we should count the cost in money terms, it underlines the commitment. The inspectorate made recommendations on foot of the fact that people with few qualifications were engaged in home teaching. Some exceptions were made in cases when parents have been unable to get a qualified teacher. I do not want to read out the full list but it is important to recognise its existence. In some instances people have suggested that a qualified nurse or psychologist might be suitable. The reality remains that the benchmark here is for a qualified teacher. I do not believe it is a backward step. It is in keeping with the demands of the inspectorate and more importantly it is in the best interests of the children concerned.

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