Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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666. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to ensure a child (details supplied) receives appropriate education and support, following the child's expulsion from school after a decision by the school board; if it is her policy to allow a child with additional needs, including a diagnosis of autism and ADHD, to be expelled from primary education without alternative educational provision in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11695/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Tusla Education Support Services (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 Scheme (HSCL) and the School Completion Programme (SCP).

When a child is suspended or expelled, TESS will advise and assist. TESS has published a parent’s leaflet which is provided to parents and information is also available on the TESS home web page. A child without a school place between the ages of 6 and 16 years is a priority case for TESS.

Parents of children with additional needs who need advice or are experiencing difficulties in locating a school placement should contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO). The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a dedicated email address parentnotify@ncse.ie with which parents can make initial contact. Local SENOs remain available to assist and advise the parents of children with special educational needs.

The Department’s Home Tuition Grant Schemes provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school. By its nature, it is intended to be a short term intervention.

The Home Tuition Grant Schemes are governed by annual circulars which sets out the purpose, eligibility criteria and details of the scheme. Circular 0050/2024 provides information in relation to the 2024/2025 Home Tuition Grant Scheme and can be accessed by clicking on the following link: www.gov.ie/en/circular/9c0f9-home-tuition-grant-scheme-20242025-special-education-component/

The EWO remains involved in assisting parents access home tuition and also in applying for school places. The local EWS office can be contacted at 021-2428611 or by email at ewsregion1@tusla.ie.