Willie Penrose
Ceist:27 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date on the establishment of an education welfare service; and the timescale and cost implications for a fully functioning service. [28254/01]
Written Answers. - National Educational Welfare Board.
On 29 May 2001 I announced the establishment of the new National Educational Welfare Board. The board held its first meeting on 15 June 2001. I have established the board on an interim or designate basis at this stage to enable it to carry out the necessary planning and preparation work for phasing in an education welfare service as provided for in the legislation – the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000. The board is moving forward with the planning and preparation work which will, among other matters, involve the recruitment of the relevant staff. Negotiations are also under way in relation to the transfer of the existing school attendance officers to the board, in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
I will commence sections of the Act as soon as possible, taking account of the plans being prepared by the board and the recommendations which they will make to me on the matter, as the planning and preparation work advances. It is my intention and that of the board that the new services will be phased in as speedily as possible. It is also my intention that all necessary resources will be provided to the board.