Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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245. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the annual process for approval of the minor works grant for primary schools to a system with an earlier approval date which would allow more certainty for schools as they budget and make plans for their upcoming year, in view of the fact the current system leaves uncertainty for schools trying to manage with limited resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37756/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The terms and conditions for the payment of the Minor Works Grant to primary schools are set out in Circular Letter 0062/2013. The funds that are transferred under the grant to schools must be spent on the physical infrastructure of the school or on items of furniture and equipment for educational use, including IT related equipment.

The Circular states that the grant will only be paid in future years as funding permits. In that context it is vital that schools take this stipulation into account before commencing any infrastructure related works.

The Deputy will be aware that I announced the Minor Works Grant 2016/2017 on the 17 November 2016 and that schools will receive the grant this week. The total cost of the grant is over €28.5m.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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246. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a home tuition package will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied); and if a positive decision will be expedited. [37764/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school.

The scheme provides a compensatory educational service for

a.Early educational intervention for children with autism who meet the schemes eligibility criteria

b.Students with special educational needs seeking an educational placement in a recognised school

c.Students, enrolled in schools, with significant medical conditions which has caused, and is likely to continue to cause, major disruption to their attendance at school

An application for home tuition for the child referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department on the 15th November 2016 and approved on 17^thNovember 2017.

The application sought the provision of Home tuition on the basis that, while there was a school placement available for the child, the child is currently unable to access the placement due to his current medical condition.

On 17^thNovember 2017, my Department approved Home Tuition on this basis, to support the child while he recovers to the extent that he can be enrolled in and attend school. The child in question is in receipt of the maximum hours available for children with significant medical conditions which has caused, and is likely to continue to cause, major disruption to their attendance at school.

The application can be reconsidered when the child has recovered to the extent that he can be enrolled in and attend school.