Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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393. To ask the Minister for Health if home tuition funding will be provided for early intervention for a person (details supplied) to assist their parents in making this person's life easier; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the person's parents cannot not afford this support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41570/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Department of Education and Skills is responsible for the education of all children, including children with a disability. The compulsory school starting age in a National School is 6 years of age, as defined in the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, while the Rules and Programme for National Schools provide that a child must be at least 4 years of age before she/he may be enrolled in a National School.

As the Deputy is also aware, the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) programme of supports, launched in 2016, by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is now operating. Details of the supports which are available under the preschool AIM scheme can be found at www.preschoolaccess.iewhich contains comprehensive information on the access and inclusion model and on how to apply for the new schemes and supports.

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.