THERE are almost 100 pupils being homeschooled in Donegal, according to new figures from the Department of Education.
Across the country 2,365 children are being homeschooled with 95 of those currently in Donegal.
Twelve of those students being homeschooled in the county are aged 17, nine are aged 16, twelve pupils are aged 15, eleven are aged 14, seven are aged 13, six are aged twelve and there are 32 pupils aged between nine and eleven.
Dublin had the highest number of children being homeschooled at 317 followed by Cork (314).
The figures were released following a parliamentary question by Deputy Catherine Murphy.
Responding, Minister for Education Norma Foley said: “The Irish constitution acknowledges the role of a parent or guardian as the primary educator of their child and has enshrined in law that a parent or guardian may home educate their child or may choose to send their child to a school which is not a recognised school in accordance with section 10 of the Education Act, 1998.
“While the State cannot oblige parents or guardians to send their children to recognised schools, it must satisfy itself that all children receive a certain minimum education.
“Tusla’s Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service (AEARS) is under the remit of my Department and its function is to assess the educational provision and to maintain a register of children who are being educated in a place other than in a recognised school.”
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)