David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the changes made in the home tuition scheme in the past 12 months; the number of students availing of the home tuition scheme in 2009; the projected cost of the scheme in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24303/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The intent of the Home Tuition scheme has not changed in the past twelve months. The Deputy will be aware that the home tuition scheme provides a grant to parents to facilitate the provision of education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting an educational placement and to provide early intervention for pre-school children with autism.

Each year the application forms and guidelines are reviewed in light of experience and changes may be made. Some small changes were made to the forms for this school year and were intended to improve the efficiency of the application process and reduce delays.

In 2008 the scheme cost €8,910,150. Home Tuition has been sanctioned for 1034 children to date in the current school year. The 2009 budgetary allocation for the scheme is €11 million.