Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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633.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a school place can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31385/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is under the remit of my Department.

TESS operates under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, a piece of legislation that emphasises the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention. TESS has three strands namely the statutory Educational Welfare Service (EWS) and the two school support services the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) scheme and the School Completion Programme (SCP). The three TESS strands work together collaboratively with schools, parents and guardians and other relevant services to achieve the best educational outcomes for children and young people.

The EWS can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school placement for their child. Referrals to the EWS may be made throughout the school year. Once a referral is made to the EWS in respect of a child or young person with no school place, it will remain an open case until such time as a school place is offered and accepted.

The Home Tuition Grant Scheme is available 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. Home tuition is provided as an interim measure only for children for whom a placement in a recognised school is not currently available.

I am aware the local Senior Educational Welfare Officer for the area has been in contact with the parent referred to by the Deputy to offer advice and support with applying to other schools, Section 29 appeals and my Department's home tuition scheme. The local EWS office can be contacted at 01-5252166 or by email at ewsregion2@tusla.ie