Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1123. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education when Greystones in County Wicklow will get an education welfare officer (details supplied); the number of education welfare officers in County Wicklow; the current list of vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41082/22]
View answer1164. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education when a replacement will be provided for the current vacancy of an education welfare officer in Greystones, County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41779/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1123 and 1164 together.
Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs), are employed by Tusla as part of Tusla Education Support Service. EWOs work with children and families in cases where they are experiencing difficulties in relation to school attendance, participation, and retention. The Educational Welfare Service is a statutory service and its primary role is to ensure that every child either attends school regularly or otherwise receives a certain minimum education, to ensure and secure every child’s entitlement to education.
There are two EWOs serving County Wicklow. One EWO post covers North Wicklow, which includes Greystones. Arrangements are being put in place to back fill the current temporary vacancy at the earliest opportunity.
I have been informed by Tusla that a recruitment campaign to form a new national Educational Welfare Officer panel will be completed in early August 2022 and that vacant EWO posts (including temporary vacancies) will be offered to this panel on formation. The post referred to by the Deputy will be filled as soon as possible thereafter allowing for necessary pre-appointment processes.
