Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
486. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the number of children of school going age that are awaiting access to the education system, three months after their international protection application has been made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17998/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla Education Support Service (TESS) works with all local providers on an ongoing basis to ensure that, as far as possible, children are enrolled in school within 12 weeks of seeking international protection in Ireland.
As part of the process in place to ensure this, TESS receives information on families with children of school-going age in different locations who have applied for international protection. This is provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), which is a division of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). There is an Educational Welfare Officer (EWO) from TESS assigned to work with the IPAS team. TESS plays a key role, including identifying school places through linking with local schools, working with IPAS NGOs and parents to support applications to the Department of Social Protection for emergency needs payments, organising school transport where necessary and working collaboratively across all departments and agencies to identify and remove all barriers to school attendance.
