1450. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Youth the options available to help a child (details supplied]), who was expelled from school in January 2025, to complete their junior certificate this year; the reason the child is only receiving one hour per week of home tuition rather than the nine hours that were promised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25881/26]

Tusla Education Support Service (TESS), which includes the statutory Educational Welfare Service (EWS), is under the remit of my department and operates under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000. The primary role of the EWS is to ensure that every child either attends school regularly or otherwise receives a certain minimum education to ensure and secure every child’s entitlement to education. Educational welfare officers (EWOs) are based throughout the country to offer advice and guidance to parents who need support in ensuring that their child attends schools regularly. They work with children, young people and their families who are experiencing difficulty with school attendance. EWOs also support parents and guardians who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school placement for their child or where their child has been suspended or expelled from school.

A referral to the EWS for a child without a school place is prioritised by the EWS and an EWO is assigned immediately to support families who are in this situation. It will remain an open case until such time as a school place is offered and accepted.

The child in question is an open and allocated case with the EWS and an EWO is engaging with the parents to provide advice and support, including arranging for the child concerned to sit the Junior Cycle examinations in June. 9 hours home tuition under my department’s Home Tuition Scheme is granted as a temporary educational measure (see www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/home-tuition/#home-tuition-for-children-with-no-school-placenspfor more information on the Home Tuition Scheme).