Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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115. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if home tuition will be facilitated for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26964/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the purpose of the Home Tuition Scheme is to provide a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of reasons, are unable to access a school placement.

As always, the preferred approach is that, where possible, children with special educational needs are educated in school settings where they may have access to individualised education programmes, fully-qualified professional teachers, special needs assistants, the appropriate school curriculum with the option, where possible and appropriate, of full or partial integration and interaction with other pupils.

Accordingly, Home Tuition is provided as an interim measure only and should not be regarded as an optional alternative to a school placement.

The child referred to by the Deputy is currently in receipt of home tuition. My officials have advised that the child is enrolled in a school placement for the forthcoming school year.