Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

256. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will approve a home tuition grant for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34943/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The medical strand of my Department's Home Tuition Grant Scheme provides funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for 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.

As tuition takes place outside the usual school structure it is important that the educational programme provided generally reflects that which would be provided in a school environment. Therefore the approval periods for home tuition for primary students is 183 days and includes breaks at Christmas, Easter and mid-term in the first and second terms and summer holidays.

Under the medical strand of the scheme eligibility is assessed having regard to, although not limited to, the following criteria

- The student’s attendance levels during the previous school year.

- A relevant medical /relevant professional report - a separate report may be requested in some cases if required.

The Home Tuition Grant Schemes operate on an annual basis.

I understand that the application made on behalf of the student referred to by the Deputy did not meet the qualifying criteria for grant aid under the 2016/17 scheme. Officials in my Department have forwarded the Circular and related application form for 2017/18 Home Tuition Grant Scheme to the parent of the student.