Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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386. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the process in which a student being home schooled can complete the Leaving Certificate. [65514/25]

Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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387. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the provisions in place to ensure that students who are home schooled can complete subjects with course work components given the new SEC coursework rules and procedures 2025-2026, page 16/ 7. [65515/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 386 and 387 together.

The State Examination Commission (the SEC) has statutory responsibility for the administration of the State certificate examinations. This includes setting out the requirements for the authentication of coursework components, in line with overall examinations and assessment policy.

In view of this, I have asked the SEC to respond directly to you with the information you have requested.

Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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388. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students currently being home schooled. [65516/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Tusla’s Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service (AEARS) is under the remit of my Department.

In line with the provisions of Section 14 (1) of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, parents or guardians wishing to educate their children in a place other than a recognised school are required to make an application to AEARS to have their child’s name placed on the Section 14 Statutory Register. In line with these statutory provisions, the function of the AEARS is to make assessment of the educational provision for children against ministerial guidance, in order to determine if a child can be placed on the statutory register. This is to ensure that children receive a certain minimum education, as set out in legislation and guidelines. This process involves the completion of an assessment by AEARS, conducted in consultation with the parents or guardians of the child.

As of October 2025, the total number of children on the home education register is 2,620. The latest published data is available at the following link: data.tusla.ie/.