Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2020
611. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the provisions in place to allow a person (details supplied) to attend school in order that they can become fully integrated in the community while waiting to be assigned a Personal Public Service Number, PPSN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37811/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency has responsibility for Educational Welfare Services including the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention.
The Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) has a role in assisting parents or guardians source a school place where a child cannot access one, however it cannot compel a school to make a place available for a child. TESS engage proactively with the parent to signpost possible schools or other educational options that may be available and thereafter to advice & support on the application and appeal process.
A PPSN is not a requirement for enrolling in a school and is not specified anywhere in the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, nor in the Education (Admissions to Schools) Act, 2018. TESS is aware of children currently enrolled in school without PPSNs.
TESS is available to offer advice and assistance with this process. The local Educational Welfare Officer (EWO), can be contacted to advice and assist the family/guardians source a school place for the child.
Contact details for the EWO in that area will be furnished to the Deputy.
