Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept the thrust of the Deputy’s question. It probably does not only sit, as he said, with the Department of Education. It is an example of it. The Department of Social Protection has determined home tutors are engaged under a contract for service and are therefore self-employed and subject to PRSI class 7.

The Department of Education continues to keep all these issues under review in light of any legal decisions or changes in legislation. The Department will continue to work with education stakeholders on these issues.

I stress the majority of children are educated in mainstream settings along with their peers. Where it is in the best interests of the child, special schools and classes are provided. However, home tuition ensures, where a child cannot attend regular school placement, he or she continues to receive an education. It is a lifeline for such children and their parents.

I reassure the Deputy the Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education. I will bring the issues the Deputy raised to the Minister’s attention.

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