Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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49. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the possible implications arising from changes to the criteria for the 2013 July provision scheme that are referred to in a memo to parents which states that allocations to siblings are reflective of the school grouping principle; if this change will result in siblings having to share 40 hours tuition, rather than being allocated 40 hours as individuals in their own right; his views on whether this is discriminatory to children with autism; if he will clarify the current situation in this respect of revised criteria in view of the fact that it is now May and families are still unclear as to what this means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25394/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The July education programme provides funding for an extended school year for children with autism and children with a severe or profound general learning disability. The programme is available to all special and mainstream primary schools that have special classes catering for eligible pupils. Where school-based provision is not available, ten hours per week of home-based provision may be grant aided to eligible pupils. In cases where there are qualifying siblings, a combined allocation is made. This is consistent with the school grouping principle, whereby one teacher is allocated to a class of six pupils. Accordingly, it is considered appropriate that a tutor can provide collective tuition in the home to siblings. Under these arrangements, each child is receiving a full ten hours of tuition.

In previous years, the application process may have failed to identify siblings, resulting in double allocations in some cases. This year's application process has corrected this historical deficit. Therefore, there has not been a change to the scheme's criteria.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Am I to take it that, if a number of siblings require home tuition, their total number of hours will be combined to match a one-to-one allocation scenario? I know of an instance of three children who require home tuition and have varying degrees of autism. Instead of an allocation to a household, therefore, they would be entitled to the full amount as if they were individual cases. There is some confusion about the memo issued by the Department regarding the July provision scheme. Will the Minister clarify the matter? He set out the situation in his answer, but will he confirm whether my belief is accurate?

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I sought an additional briefing from one of my civil servants because, like the Deputy, I wanted to ensure that I understood accurately the reply that I had read. In my own words, I was told that there was never an automatic one-to-one entitlement. In many cases, an application was made on behalf of one child. The euphemism in the documentation reads, "In previous years, the application process may have failed to identify siblings, resulting in double allocations in some cases". This situation has been identified.

As I stated in my formal reply, which I read into the record of the House, the ratio of one teacher to up to six pupils is considered acceptable. This may have resulted in the perception by some parents that there had been a reduction, but there was none. Rather, there was an application of what was always policy. However, there were instances in which the perception by parents of a double-up could have been legitimate.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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If the Department is changing or clarifying its understanding of how allocations to siblings will be made, there will be instances of reduced hours. In the case of two siblings, their total allocation - the Minister called it a double-up - could be cut in half. In the case of three siblings, their total allocation would be further reduced. This could have major implications, particularly if a tutor must deal with various ends of the spectrum. It is not as simple as doubling up. Rather, there are implications for the level of tuition received.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Department will do whatever it can to facilitate families where home tuition is necessary. As I indicated in reply to a previous question, in Blanchardstown resources are being pooled to get a school environment delivery. An appeals mechanism exists. Parents with three or more children, all of whom require special home tuition for whatever reason, who are not satisfied with the current allocation - the reply would suggest one tutor - can appeal and if there are extenuating circumstances they will be taken into account. Cases will not be determined on a political basis but on the professional advice of the educational specialists who will evaluate the situation.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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It appears that the Minister said the policy has not changed but the practice is changing this year. This will be the first time when the practice will be different since the July provision was first introduced in 2002 or 2003. Difficulties might arise in particular cases. Deputy Ó Snodaigh referred to a case where there are three children in the one family. We must acknowledge the fact that the practice is changing and that the situation must be closely monitored by the Minister.

I would welcome a comment from the Minister on students who have the potential within their school to attend a summer day camp under the July provision system and whether they will be allowed to access it. One of the largest special needs and autism schools in the country is in Trim. Some children are in mainstream education and in previous years they were allowed to take part in the summer camp. However, their attendance this year is not automatic. I have concerns because of the new application of the policy. The parents must apply for an exemption in order for the children to participate in the summer camp rather than accessing it as part of home tuition. The children in question wish to participate in the summer camp. It has worked well in the past and their parents very much want them to participate. It will cost the Department less for them to do so. The children in question have applied for an exemption. I urge that the request in this case, and in other cases, be considered favourably by the Department.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Does the Minister share my concerns and those of many parents, in particular of young children with disabilities, not just those on the autistic spectrum but also those who require resource services? Many parents of young children with a disability aged between four and seven years are concerned that because of the current economic climate their progress and services will be affected in the future. There is a considerable fear factor among parents of young children in particular.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Of course I share the concern outlined by the Deputy. That is why every decision we make is carefully analysed as best we can given the wide diversity in circumstances. As I indicated before Deputy McGrath entered the Chamber, reconciling the situation is a challenge we face on a continual basis.

It is clear Deputy McConalogue has detailed knowledge of an individual case, which I do not have. There is an appeals mechanism and if the Deputy brings the details of the case to my attention I will have it investigated.

In response to the Deputy's earlier question, policy was set by the Department. It appears that it failed to be introduced. As to whether that means practice on the ground is changing, it is in some cases. The Deputy is correct to say that, but even though the practice was not authorised it is now being implemented in line with policy. The ratio is 1:6 at a maximum but there is an appeals process in place for parents or guardians who believe there are extenuating circumstances.