Education Welfare Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 January 2014

Tuesday, 21 January 2014

Questions (134)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

134. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the actions being taken by his Department to address the findings and recommendations contained in the recently published investigation by the Ombudsman for Children’s office entitled, A statement based on an investigation into provision by the Department of Education and Skills and the HSE for a child in care, particularly the recommendations contained therein in relation to enrolment policies and the importance of ensuring school placements for children in care. [2276/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

At the outset, I wish to say that I agree with the Ombudsman for Children that the difficulties encountered in relation to this child were unacceptable.

The functions of the former NEWB and services previously provided by the NEWB are now part of the Child and Family Agency which was established by law on the 1st January 2014. That change should ensure a joined up approach to the needs of children in care.

It is also because of cases such as this one that I, in the draft Admissions to Schools Bill 2013 currently under consideration by the Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection, am providing a power for the Child and Family Agency to designate a school place, and that schools must comply with that designation. This new power if enacted, can clearly provide a remedy for any child out of school, including children in care.