Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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160. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of home tuition for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28090/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Purpose of the Home Tuition Scheme is to provide 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 a compensatory educational service for children with special educational needs seeking an educational placement. Provision is also made for early educational intervention for children with autism.

It is a requirement of the scheme that, in order to be eligible for Home Tuition support, there is evidence that placement in a school has been sought.  Home tuition cannot be provided as an optional alternative to an available placement within the school system.

Eligibility for children seeking an educational placement is determined in consultation with the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO). 

My Department has been informed by the NCSE that they have identified a school placement 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.