Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 5

Written Answers. - Home-school Liaison Scheme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

118 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to integrate the home-school community liaison service under the education welfare board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26504/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The Education (Welfare) Bill which was recently passed at Second Stage by this House, provides a comprehensive framework to promote school attendance and deal with associated issues. The legislation also provides for the establishment of a national educational welfare board, which will have responsibility for advising the Minister in this area.

This draft legislation recognises the important work currently being carried out by home-school liaison officers, and integrates them into this new framework for the promotion of school attend ance. Section 22 of the Bill provides statutory recognition for the role of a range of school personnel, including home-school liaison co-ordinators, and other personnel in the preparation of strategies and measures to foster an appreciation of learning among students. A primary function of the liaison co-ordinators is the development of partnership between parents and teachers in the interests of the children's learning. This involves the provision of such supports as the parents identify to develop their confidence and abilities in this vital collaborative role. The Bill, therefore, provides that the liaison co-ordinators shall have an important role in the preparation of an individual school's statement of strategy to foster an appreciation of learning and encourage regular school attendance amongst the school pupils. They will also have an important role in developing the parents' active involvement in the identification, preparation and delivery of effective strategies.

More generally, I would envisage that home-school liaison officers will collaborate with educational welfare officers and teachers within the overall context of the Education (Welfare) Bill to promote school attendance within our schools.