Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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402. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to support families who choose home schooling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33820/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Constitution acknowledges the family as the primary and natural educator of the child and sets out the rights and duties of the State in the matter of education. The Constitution makes explicit that the State does not oblige parents to send their children to any particular type of school. Parents are free to provide education in their homes, in private schools, or in schools recognised or established by the State.

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 the provision of education for children in places other than in a recognised school, including children who are home schooled or who are enrolled in a non-recognised independent school. This is to ensure that such children receive a certain minimum education.

Parents who wish to educate their child in a place other than a recognised school, including in their home, are required to make an application to AEARS to have their child included on the Section 14 Statutory Register. Tusla's AEARS will then make an assessment of the educational provision to determine if the child is eligible to be placed on the Section 14 Statutory Register. Assessments are carried out by an authorised person in line with the ‘Guidelines on the Assessment of Education in Places other than a Recognised School’, issued by my Department.

There is no funding available from my Department for families to assist with the cost of education, where parents choose to educate their child in a place other than in a recognised school.