Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 741: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in issuing payment to parents for approved home tuition in respect of children with special educational needs; when he expects that payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12525/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The home tuition scheme provides funding to parents to provide 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 a suitable educational placement. Home tuition grants are paid to the parents, who in turn make payment to the home tuition provider. Payment of grant aid under the Home Tuition Scheme is made by my Department upon receipt of a completed claim form from the parent. If the claim is in order, payment normally issues within four weeks of receipt. Due to industrial action on the part of some staff in the Department of Education and Science, I am unable to provide specific details on the length of time it is currently taking to process grant payments to parents of children in receipt of home tuition.