Jen Cummins
Question:388. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of students currently being home schooled. [65516/25]
View answerTuesday, 25 November 2025
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Written answers
Tusla’s Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service (AEARS) is under the remit of my Department.
In line with the provisions of Section 14 (1) of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, parents or guardians wishing to educate their children in a place other than a recognised school are required to make an application to AEARS to have their child’s name placed on the Section 14 Statutory Register. In line with these statutory provisions, the function of the AEARS is to make assessment of the educational provision for children against ministerial guidance, in order to determine if a child can be placed on the statutory register. This is to ensure that children receive a certain minimum education, as set out in legislation and guidelines. This process involves the completion of an assessment by AEARS, conducted in consultation with the parents or guardians of the child.
As of October 2025, the total number of children on the home education register is 2,620. The latest published data is available at the following link: data.tusla.ie/.