Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In reply to a recent parliamentary question the Minister confirmed that six private organisations, Jonix Educational Services, PALS Preschool, the Shine Centre for Autism, Hope Montessori Autism Care Centre, Aurore Child Development Centre and Early Intervention Support Services, EISS, had received between €2.2 million, in the case of Jonix, and €0.54 million for the 2013 to 2014 terms. They provide preschool education to young children with autism. I understand this funding comes from home tuition scheme payments. What is the status of these private organisations? Has a review of their effectiveness been carried out? How were decisions reached regarding the allocation of contracts and funding in each of these cases? I have asked the Minister and her predecessor this question on numerous occasions throughout the history of this Dáil without a satisfactory answer. The Minister recently sent me a detailed answer in written form but it raises many more questions.

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