Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
417. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education if a well-being approach is followed when it comes to school absences and TESS as stated in September 2020; if guidance and support is provided to parents who are stressed and concerned after receiving letters notifying them their child has missed 20 days of schools even when this was due to Covid-19-related issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1636/21]
View answerTusla Education Support Service (TESS) has a statutory responsibility to intervene where a child has not been attending school. TESS views all school attendance referrals from a child welfare perspective with the intention of finding solutions that will enable and support students to attend, participate and be retained in education. Since Covid-19 first impacted schools in March, 2020 TESS has adopted a child welfare and supportive approach in relation to all children and families where the school attendance of students has been directly impacted by Covid-19.
I can assure the Deputy that TESS will continue to look at all school attendance cases with a compassionate and child welfare centred approach for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic. The role of TESS is to ensure that all students have access to education. TESS is available to work with any student or family in need of support.
I am aware that some students have experienced anxiety and concern regarding Covid-19. For this reason, my Department has created 17 additional NEPS psychologist posts for schools as well as 120 whole-time equivalent guidance counsellor positions.
