Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2023
166. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the number of educational welfare officer posts allocated to counties Cavan and Monaghan in 2021,2022 and to-date in 2023; the number of vacancies; the timeframe for these vacancies to be filled, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20464/23]
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.
The number of educational welfare officer posts allocated to counties Cavan and Monaghan in 2021, 2022 and to-date in 2023 are as follows;
Cavan
2021- 1.5 EWO
2022-1.5 EWO
2023- 2.5 EWO (1 New EWO post)
Monaghan
2021 – 1.5 EWO
2022 – 1.5 EWO
2023 – 1.5 EWO
There have been no unfilled vacancies in these counties over the past 3 years.
