Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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257. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if clarification will be provided on home schooling restrictions during level 5 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37635/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, Tusla Education Support Services (TESS) is responsible for addressing issues in relation to participation, retention and attendance in schools.

In line with the provisions of Section 14(1) of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, Tusla‘s Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service (AEARS) is responsible for the regulation of provision for education in places other than recognised schools.

The AEARS does not have a role in providing guidance or advice regarding the provision of education for children who are educated in a place other than recognised schools, within the specific context of the on-going Covid-19 public health restrictions, as this is a matter for the relevant public health authorities.

Children that are home-schooled, and their parents or guardians, must comply with all of the public health advice and guidance produced by the Government in order to protect their health and well-being and that of other citizens during this pandemic.  There are currently no plans to provide separate or bespoke guidance for this cohort of the population.

The assessment of home school provision by the AEARS is continuing under level five restrictions, both remotely, and through on-site assessments, conducted in line public health guidance.