Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 4

Written Answers. - Education Welfare Officers.

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

As the Deputy may be aware the Education (Welfare) Bill is currently being discussed by the Dáil. I hope the Bill may be enacted during the present session. Initial planning for the implementation of the Bill is under way in my Department.

The Bill provides for the establishment of a national educational welfare board and for the deployment of educational welfare officers. These officers will support schools, students and parents in tackling the problems causing non-attendance and will promote and support regular school attendance.

The Bill provides for a nationwide educational welfare officer service for all schools. All schools can and will benefit from the service of an educational welfare officer. However, in line with policy generally within my Department, it is my intention that the first priority in the deployment of the educational welfare officers will be towards meeting the needs of disadvantaged areas.