Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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437. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will take steps to secure a special school place for a child (details supplied). [23658/21]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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438. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will take steps to allow a child (details supplied) to undertake their allocated home tuition hours in a school setting as a temporary measure until a permanent special school place is found. [23659/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 437 and 438 together.

Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.

This year, over 20% of the total Education budget or €2bn will be invested in supporting children with special educational needs. As a result, the numbers of special education teachers, SNAs and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels.

The purpose of my Departments Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school.

However, it should also be noted that the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is not an alternative to a school placement and is provided in very limited and specific circumstances.

In certain circumstances Home tuition hours may be used to support the reintegration of children into their school placement.

In relation to the particular case raised by the Deputy, I understand that the relevant support services and agencies, including NEPS and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) are aware of the case and are working towards ensuring that the child can be reintegrated into a school placement.

The relevant support services and agencies will consider whether home tuition hours are required to support this work.

The Deputy will also be aware that the NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. NCSE continues to be available to provide support to this family.