Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2014
144. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the transfer of the National Education and Welfare Board from his Department to the Child and Family Agency; and to indicate the role his Department will continue to have in monitoring school attendance figures. [8914/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Education Welfare Board (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2011 (SI No. 215 of 2011) made by the Government on 10th May 2011 transferred a range of functions under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. These functions included statutory powers relating to school attendance, participation and retention, the NEWB itself and its support services of Educational Welfare, Home School Community Liaison and School Completion. On the commencement of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 on 1st January, 2014, the NEWB became part of the Child and Family Agency and now operates as the Educational Welfare Services of that Agency. Given the particular remit of the Child and Family Agency in relation to educational welfare, my Department continues to work directly with its Educational Welfare Services in order to support and consolidate the work of schools, in ensuring that children's participation in the educational system is maximised.
