Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the special educational measures that have been put in place and will be put in place for the 100 children with autism who have lost their home tuition grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8325/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department considers that school-based education provision is the most appropriate intervention for all children, including those with special educational needs. In this regard, home tuition is only intended as an interim measure until a suitable school placement is secured.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department referred the cases of school going pupils who were in receipt of home tuition grant to the local special educational needs organisers with a view to ensuring that an appropriate educational response is available in the pupils' school. My officials are considering the outcome of this exercise and it is intended that contact will be made with the parents-guardians of all the pupils in question as well as the relevant schools as quickly as possible.