Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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90. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will permit persons (details supplied) to choose what they regard as the most appropriate preschool placement for their child with special needs in terms of using the entitlement to a home tuition grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21911/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

The NCSE will continue to monitor and review the requirement for special class places in particular areas and has capacity to establish such new special classes where necessary subject to the willingness of schools to open classes.

The purpose of the Home Tuition Scheme, which is administered by the Special Education Section of my Department is to provide a compensatory educational service for children with Special Educational Needs who are seeking an educational placement, either in a Special School, a Special class, including an early intervention class within a mainstream school, or a mainstream class.

In the event that no such placement is available, home tuition can be provided until such a placement becomes available. Home tuition can not be provided as an optional alternative to an available placement within the school system.

My Department has been informed by the NCSE that they have identified a number of placement options for the child referred to by the Deputy and accordingly Home tuition cannot be granted in this case.

The parents of the child should continue to liaise with their local SENO in planning the transition of their child to school.