§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many handicapped pupils were receiving home tuition in 1979–80 in each area; why such tuition is necessary; and what assistance is given by the Department of Education.
§ Mr. GoodhartThe information for each education and library board area is as follows:
Belfast 41 North-Eastern 17 South-Eastern 65 Western 20 Southern 64 Home tuition minimises the effects on children who through exceptional circumstances are unable to attend suitable schools regularly. The Department of Education financially assists the boards to provide home tuition and has issued administrative guidelines to the boards. Individual cases in which tuition exceeds eight hours per week or is provided for more than six months are subject to the approval of the Department.