John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 464: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will expedite a decision on an application for home tuition in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the seven hours they were granted in the last term will be increased in view of the fact this number is not adequate; if there are other supports available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26265/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the home tuition scheme is primarily intended to provide compensatory instruction for pupils who have a medical ailment that is likely to cause major disruption to their attendance at school. In this context, my Department provides home tuition grants in respect of pupils who cannot attend school at all, or who are absent for a significant proportion of the school year. My Department also sanctions home tuition in cases where children are awaiting a suitable school placement. However, I stress that home tuition is only intended as an interim measure and not as a replacement or substitute for school-based provision, which is the most appropriate intervention for pupils with special educational needs.

In regard to the person referred to by the Deputy, I confirm that an application for home tuition was received in my Department for the continuation of the home tuition grant for the current school year. I understand a meeting is being arranged with the education welfare officer, EWO, the pupil's parents and an educational psychologist. A decision on the application for home tuition will be made once this meeting has occurred.