Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 592: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will make special provisions for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [35741/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the 75 local special educational needs organisers, known as SENOs, is responsible for processing applications from schools for special needs supports. These supports include resource teaching hours and special needs assistant support for pupils with low-incidence special needs and assistive technology or equipment for pupils in either high- or low-incidence special educational needs categories. In this way, pressing needs in the area of special needs supports in schools are identified early and acted upon quickly.

My officials have been in contact with the NCSE regarding the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The NCSE has advised that the SENO will make direct contact with the school concerning its application for special educational needs supports for the pupil.

The home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a variety of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for pupils awaiting a suitable educational placement. My Department has no record of receiving an application for home tuition for the pupil concerned.

Any application received will be considered in the context of the criteria applicable to the scheme.