Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 98: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will pay home tuition funding until a place becomes available in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36871/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) have been fully engaged in identifying placement options for the child in question. The NCSE has advised my Department that, irrespective of the assessed levels of ability of the child, there are schools placements available for this child. I also understand from my officials that the parents of this child have been advised of their placement options by the NCSE. It is now a matter for the parents of the child concerned to engage with the schools in question and to apply to have their child enrolled to a school.

The purpose of the Home Tuition Scheme is to provide a compensatory educational service for children who are unable to attend school for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, or for whom there are no available placements. Home tuition was approved for the child in question by my Department from the start of the school year until the end of September 2011 as there was no available placement. Home Tuition was subsequently extended until 14th October 2011, for the purpose of completing the enrolment process. My Department may consider whether there is a requirement to extending this period further to facilitate transitional arrangements, as an exceptional measure, once a school based placement has been accepted by the parents.