Watchdog probes cuts to autistic tuition scheme

The Children’s Ombudsman is investigating changes to a home tuition scheme for autistic children after the Department of Education scrapped guaranteed one-to-one tuition.

The move comes as Inclusion Ireland, autism groups, and opposition politicians have demanded clarity from Government over the operation of the home-based July Provision programme.

The scheme has operated on a one-to-one tuition basis for eligible children, but autism groups have claimed the terms have been changed so that families with two or more qualifying children may end up sharing a tutor.