Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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158. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding home tuition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12193/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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My Department administers two separate Home Tuition Schemes. From the limited information provided by the Deputy it is not clear if the pupil in question would qualify for either scheme.

One of the schemes provides for a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme also provides for children with special educational needs awaiting a suitable educational placement and for early intervention for children with autism.

The application form and Circular 0048/2014, which details the eligibility criteria for the scheme, are available on my Department's website at www.education.ie

A separate scheme provides tuition for children who do not have a school place and for whom a school place is being actively sought. This scheme may, subject to certain criteria, provide Home Tuition for children on whose behalf an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 has been lodged.

Applications for this scheme may be made through the local office of Tusla, Child and Family Agency - contact details are available on their website at www.tusla.ie

The Deputy may be aware that my Department published new anti-bullying procedures for all primary and post primary schools at the beginning of the 2013/14 school year.

The procedures which are also available on my Department's website are designed to give direction and guidance to school authorities and school personnel in preventing and tackling school-based bullying behaviour amongst its pupils. They include specific requirements in relation to the use of prevention and education strategies and the consistent investigation, follow up and recording of bullying behaviour.