Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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194. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when home tuition will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50228/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of my Department’s Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for students who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school.

In exceptional cases the Department will consider home tuition applications on behalf of students with diagnoses of school phobia and/or associated depression/anxiety which has caused, and is likely to continue to cause, major disruption to their attendance at school. This exception will only apply where a continued absence from school is required to facilitate appropriate medical or therapeutic intervention with a view to the re-integration of the student in their school. The principle that Home Tuition cannot be provided as an alternative to school applies.

Eligibility in exceptional cases is assessed having regard to, although not limited to, the following criteria:

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

- Psychologist’s/psychiatrist’s report which should

i. Clearly confirm a diagnosis of school phobia and/or associated depression/anxiety.

ii. Provide details of medical or therapeutic intervention plans in place with a view to reintegrate the student back into his/her school.

Details of engagement with the relevant support agencies (e.g. School, National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), Education Welfare Officer (EWO), Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), TUSLA (Child and Family Agency), HSE, NCSE).

An incomplete application for the student referred to by the Deputy was submitted to my Department. My officials have advised the applicant in question on what is required to process the application further and await their reply.