Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
534. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the details regarding resources for educational welfare officers allocated to County Wicklow; if all posts are currently filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17205/23]
View answerIn line with the arrangements set out as part of the current Government formation, since January 2021 Tusla Education Support Services (TESS) is under my remit.
TESS has three strands namely the statutory Educational Welfare Service (EWS) and the two school support services the Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL) and the School Completion Programme (SCP). The three TESS strands work together collaboratively with schools, families and other relevant services to achieve the best educational outcomes for children and young people.
The EWS operates under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, a piece of legislation that emphasises the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention. This 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. Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) work with families and children in a child-centred way to overcome barriers to their school attendance, participation and retention. EWOs work closely with schools, educational support services and other agencies to support school attendance and resolve attendance problems for the benefit of children and families.
There are currently four EWO posts allocated to Co Wicklow - North Wicklow (1) South Wicklow/North Wexford (1) and West Wicklow (2). One of the serving EWOs allocated to Co Wicklow is currently on statutory leave.
TESS completed a recruitment campaign for EWOs in August 2022 and a panel is established. As EWO posts become vacant, including the temporary EWO vacancy in Co Wicklow, they have been offered to this panel of candidates. While every effort is made to fill vacant EWO posts as soon as possible, no expression of interest was received from the panel of candidates for the current temporary EWO post in Co Wicklow.
All urgent referrals to the EWS for Co Wicklow are being covered by the EWO team in the county.
