Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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278. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to review procedures for parents to access teachers under the July provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9718/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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July Provision is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism that choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides July Provision for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided.

As the home based provision takes place outside the usual school structure it is important that home tutors are qualified to provide an educational programme. It is appropriate therefore that the qualification standard in the Home Based July Provision generally reflects that required in a school environment.

Accordingly, it is a condition of the scheme that parents must recruit a teacher who is qualified in the sector in which the tuition is being provided and registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland. Where all efforts have failed to secure the services of a teacher qualified to teach in the sector concerned, Parents may consider the engagement of a person who is registered with the Teaching Council and has a primary degree (minimum Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in a relevant area.

My predecessor recently received the NCSE's policy advice on supporting students with ASD. My officials will consider and report to me on any recommendations in the report which relate to the issues raised by the Deputy.