512 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if home tuition funding will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11665/07]

552 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received an application on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for home tuition funding; when a decision will be made on the application; if the application will be granted in view of the case put forward by the parents of the child and by Irish Autism Action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11241/07]

588 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision regarding the allocation of home tuition hours will be made regarding a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if this will be backdated to September 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11692/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 512, 552 and 588 together.

I am pleased to advise that my Department recently sanctioned home tuition for the child in question and a letter to this effect has issued to the family. The issue of retrospective funding has been raised with my Department. However, it is difficult to see a basis for such a payment as a suitable placement was available at that time for the child concerned.